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\yiSCONSIN, GEOLOGICAL AND NATURAL HISTORY SURVE 

13. A. BIRGE, Director. \V. O. HOTCHKISS, State Geologist. 

A. R. WHITSON, In Charge, Division of Soils 

SOIL SURVEY IN COOPERATION WITH THE COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE 

H. L. RUSSELL, Dean. 

BULLETIN NO. 52--C SOIL SERIES NO. 18 



SOIL SURVEY 



OF 

PORTAGE COUNTY 

WISCONSIN 

/ 

\<S ' '■ BY , 

A. r5 WHITSON, W. J. GEIB, T. J. DUNNBWALD, and LEWIS P. HANSON 

OF THE 

Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey 

AND 

L. R. SCHOENMANN 

of the 

United States Department of Agricultuke 



SURVEY CONDUCTED IN COOPERATION WITH THE UNITED STATES 

DEPARTMENT OP AGRICULTURE, BUREAU OP SOILS, 

MILTON WHITNEY, CHIEF 

CURTIS P. MARBUT, IN CHARGE SOIL SURVEY 



Madison, Wisconsin 

Published by the State 

1918 



L 



c \ 



Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey 



BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS 

EMANUAL L. PHILIPP, 

Oovernor of State. 
CHARLEiS R. VAN HLSE, President. 

President of the University of Wisconsin. 
CHARLEiS P. GARY, Vice-President, 

State ■ Superintendent of PuMic Instruction. 
HENRY L. WARD, Secretary, 

President of the Wisconsin Academy of Sciences, Arts and Letters. 



STAFF OF SURVEY 

ADMINISTRATION: 

Edward A. Birge, Director and Superintendent. In immediate 

cliarge of Natural History Division. 
William 0. Hotchkiss, iState Geologist. In immediate charge of 

'Geology Division. 
Lillian M. Veerhusen, Clerk. 

GEOLOGY DIVISION: 

William 0. Hotchkiss, In Charge. 

T. C. iChamberlin, Consulting Geologist, Pleistocene Geology. 

Samuel Weidman, Geologist, Areal Geology. 

E. F. Bean, Geologist, In Charge of Field Parties. 

O. W. Wheelwright, Geologist, In Charge of Field Parties. 
R. H. Whitbeck, Geologist, iGeography of Lower Fox Valley. 
Lawrence Martin, Geologist, Physical Geography. 

F. E. Williams, Geologist, Geography and History. 

NATURAL HISTORY DIVISION: '■ 
Edward A. Birge, In Charge. 

Chancey Juday, Lake Survey. . ; 

H. A. Schuett'e, Chemist. . . '! 

DIVISION OF SOILS: 

A. R. Whitson, In Charge. 

W. J. Geib,* Editor and Inspector. In Charge of Field Parties. 

W. M. Gibbs, Analyst, in charge of Soil Survey Laboratory. 

T. J. Dunnewald, Field Assistant and Analyst. 

Carl Thompson, Field Assistant and Analyst. 

Martin O. Tostrud, Field Assistant and Analyst. 

Marion C. Ford , Field Assistant g jii i A^^i^ys^ 
» LIBRARY OF CONGRESS ' 



* Scientist in sfil Survey. ^fPI'^IP^e of field 
for the Bureau Sdils, U. S. Department of Agri^ 

JAN i 2 1^-24 

\ documenYsdivcsion 



operations in Wisconsin 
Iture. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 



Page 

Table of Contents 3 

Illustrations 5 

Introduction "7 

Soil Classification 9 

CHAPTER I. 

General Description of the Area 11 

Soils 14 

CHAPTER II. 

Group of Heavy Soils : 18 

Colby silt loam (including rolling phase) 18 

Marathon silt loam 20 

Vesper silt loam ,. . 21 

Vesper silt loam, rolling phase (Knox silt loam) 22 

Chemical Composition and Fertility of Heavy Soils 23 

CHAPTER III. 

Group of Medium Heaxtt Soils 26 

Kennan loam 26 

Antigo loam 27 

Kennan fine sandy loam 29 

Colby fine sandy loam 31 

Marathon fine sandy loam , 32 

Antigo fine sandy loam 38 

Waukesha fine sandy loam 35 

Chemical iComposition and Fertility of Loams and Fine 

Sandy Loams 36 

CHAPTER IV. 

Group of Medium Sandy Soils 38 

Coloma sandy loam , 38 

Plainfield sandy loam 40 

Waukesha sandy loam ■ ■ ■ -^ 42 

Boone sandy loam ..■.•.■ 43 

Chemical Composition and Fertility of Medium Sandy Soils 44 



i TABLE OF CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER V. 

Page 

Group or Sand Soils 47 

Plainfield sand 47 

Coloma sand 49 

Waukesha sand 52 

Chemical Composition and Fertility of Sand Soils 54 

CHAPTER VI. 

Group of Poorly Drained Soils 57 

Peat 57 

Chemical Composition and Fertility of Peat 61 

Dunning sand 62 

Dunning sandy loam 64 

Whitman silt loam 65 

Genesee fine sandy loam 66 

Genesee silt loam 67 

CHAPTER VII. 

Genekaij Agriculture of Portage County 68 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Climate 74 

SUMMARY. 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



PLATES AND FIGURES. 

Page 
Plate I. View showing surface features of Kennan fine sandy 

loam 30 

View showing morainic nature of Vilas sandy loam. 30 

Plate II. View showing typical level surface of Plainfield sand -fS 

View showing clover on Plainfield sand 48 

Plate III. View on drained peat land ir Buena Vista Drainage 

District 58 

Small grain on drained peat land 58 

Figure 1. Sketch map of state showing areas surveyed 11 

Figure 2. Map showing length of growing season for corn 75 

Figure 3. Map showing mean temperature for six growing 

months 75 



MAP. 

Soil Map of Portage County Attached to back cover 



INTRODUCTION 



Before the greatest success in agriculture can be reached, it 
is necessary that the farmer should have a thorough knowledge 
of the soil upon his own farm. A soil may be well adapted to 
one crop, and poorly adapted to another crop. Clover will pro- 
duce a vigorous growth and profitable yields on the average 
loam soil which contains lime and is in a sweet condition; but 
on a sandy soil which is sour, or in an acid condition, clover will 
not make a satisfactory growth. We may say, therefore, that 
failure is certain to be invited when such important facts are 
disregarded, or overlooked. The degree of success which it is 
possible to win on any farm is in direct proportion to the prac- 
tical knowledge possessed by the farmer concerning the soil 
and its adaptation to crops. A thorough knowledge of the soil 
is as essential to the farmer as a knowledge of merchandise 
and business methods is to the merchant. 

The State of Wisconsin, working in cooperation with the 
United States Department of Agriculture, is making a careful 
study of soils and agricultural conditions throughout Wiscon- 
sin, and is preparing soil maps and soil reports of all counties 
in the State. A soil map shows the location and extent of the 
different kinds of soil. Tracts of 10 acres and over are mapped, 
but often areas of even smaller extent are sho^vn. The soil 
map is prepared by trained men, who go over a county 
thoroughly, and examine the soil by making a sufficient number 
of borings to a depth of 36 inches to keep_ account of all varia- 
tions. A report is also made, to accompany and explain the 
map, and this is based upon a careful study of the soils within 
the region surveyed, and upon such other features as have a 
direct bearing upon the agriculture of the area. 

It is the object of this survey to make an inventory of the 
soils of the State, and to be of practical help to farmers by lo- 



8 INTRODUCTION. 

eating and describing the different soils, by determining their 
physical character and chemical composition, and by offering 
suggestions for their management, based upon the work of the 
Soil Survey within the area, covered in the report, and upon 
the results of field tests made by the Experiment Station. 

Soil fertility depends upon two factors: first, upon the 
physical characteristics of the soil, such as water holding ca- 
pacity, workability, etc., and second, upon the chemical compo- 
sition of the material composing the soil. The chemical compo- 
sition depends upon the mode of origin of the soil, and the 
source of material from which the soil is derived. 

Water holding capacity and other physical properties of soil 
all depend chiefly upon texture, which refers to the size of the 
individual soil grains, or particles. A coarse sandy soil, for ex- 
ample, will not retain moisture so long as a loam soil, or clay 
loam, because the finer the soil grains, the greater will be the 
total soil-grain surface area to which moisture may adhere. 
Texture is determined in the .field by rubbing the soil between 
the thumb and fingers, and with experience one soon becomes 
expert at judging the size of soil grains. This field judgmeiit 
is verified in the laboratory by a meclianical analysis, which 
is made by a simple method of separating soil grains into dif- 
ferent groups, of which there are seven. These are kno^n as 
clay, silt, very fine sand, fine sand, medium sand, coarse sand, 
and fine gravel. 

A chemical analysis is also made of the soil to determine the 
amounts of various essential plant-food elements which are 
present. A chemical analysis shows whether the soil contains 
a large store of plant food, or only a small quantity, and it in- 
dicates which kinds of plant food will probably be needed first. 
The amount of organic matter in the soil is also determined, and 
tests are made to show conditions relative to soil acidity. 



INTRODUCTION 



SOIL CLASSIFICATION. 

Soils are grouped according to texture into soil classes, a soil 
class being made up of soils having the same texture, though 
differing in other respects. A fine sand, for example, may be 
light colored and of alluvial origin, while another fine sand 
may be dark in color and of residual origin, while a third fine 
sand may have been blown into sand dunes by the wind, yet all 
of these soils would belong to the same class, because the 
greater proportion of the soil grains have the same size or text- 
ure. Thus we may have different kinds of clays, loams, sands, 
etc., and the class to which any soil will belong depends upon 
the size of the individual soil grains of which it is composed, 
and not upon its color, origin, topographic position, or agri- 
cultural value. 

SOIL GLASSES 

.Soils Containing Less Than 20% Silt and Clay 

Coarse sand. — 'Over 2i5% fine gravel and course sand, and less than 50% 

of any other grade of sand. 
Sand. — Over 2-5% fine gravel, Coarse and medium sand, and less than 

50% fine sand. 
Fine sand. — ^Over 50% fine sand, or less "than 25% fine gravel, coarse and 

medium sand. 
Very fine sand. — ^Over 50% very fine sand. 

Soils Containing Between .20-50% of Silt and Clay 

Sandy loam. — ^Over 2-5% fine gravel, coarse and medium sand. 

Fine sandy loam. — ^Over 50% fine sand, or less than 25% fine gravel, 

coarse and medium sand. 
Sandy clay. — .Less than 20% silt. 

Soils Containing over 50% of Silt and Clay. 

Loam. — Lesf? than '20% clay, and less than 50% silt. 

Silt loam. — Less than 20% clay, and over 50% silt. 

Clay loam. — 'Between 20 and 30% clay, and less than 50% silt. 

Silty clay loam. — .Between 20 and 30% clay, and over 50% silt. 

Clay. — Over 30% clay. 

Soils may be grouped in another way. "Where soils are 
closely related through similar sources of the material from 



20 INTJWDUCTION. 

which derived, mode of origin, topographic position, etc., so 
that the different soils constitute merely a graduation in text- 
ure of otherwise uniform material, such a group is called a soil 
series. It corresponds to the family which is made up of dif- 
ferent individuals having the same parentage. The Miami 
series, for examples, includes light colored, glacial material 
where the soils have been derived largely from the underlying 
limestone, and the soils in the series range in texture from a 
clay loam to sand and gravel. The Plainfield series includes 
light colored soils in regions where no limestone is present, 
where the parent rock was largely sandstone, and where the 
material occurs as outwash plains or stream terraces. The 
soils in this series also have a wide range in texture. The name 
used for a soil series usually indicates the locality where that 
particular series was first recognised and mapped by the Soil 
we get the soil type which is the basis or unit of classifying 
and mapping soils. A soil type thus, is a soil which is uniform 
throughout its entire extent in texture, color, topographic po- 
sition, and other physical properties, and having a distinct 
agricultural unity, that is, being adapted to the same crops, and 
requiring the same treatment. It is also uniform in the source 
of material from which it is derived, and the mode of origin 
which, taken together, determine the chemical composition. 
Since the soil type is the unit in classifying and mapping soils, 
and the basis upon which experimental work should be con- 
ducted, every farmer should be familiar with the soil types on 
his farm, and their leading characteristics. 



SOIL SUKVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY, 
WISCONSIN 



CHAPTER I 



GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY 
OF THE AREA 

Portage County is located very nearly in the geographical 
center of the State of Wisconsin. It is regular in its outline 
and would be a square of 5 townships each way but for the 




FIG. 1. — Sketch map showing area surveyed. 

lack of the three townships which are a part of Wood County. 
The total area is 812 square miles, or approximately 519,680 
acres. 



12 SOIL SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 

Surface features.- — The surface features of Portage county fall 
naturally into three diAdsions. Extending south from near the 
center of the north line of the county to the southern and south- 
western boundaries is an extensive belt of level land. On the 
south this has a width of about 18 miles and extends north along 
the western border to the Wisconsin E-iver. As it extends north 
it becomes narrower and on the northern boundary line is about 
12 miles wide. This extensive plain-like tract is largely a water 
laid deposit consisting of stream terraces and outwash plains. 
Some very extensive marsh tracts occur within this belt. To 
the west from this level stretch, in the northwestern corner of 
the county is an area of residual country where the surface is 
undulating and the topography more mature than elsewhere in 
the county. The slopes are usually long and gentle. East of 
the level area, and covering about one-third of the county is a 
region where the surface is characteristic of a glacial region. 
Immediately bordering the level plain on the east is the terminal 
moraine of the late Wisconsin ice sheet forming a drainage di- 
vide, and back of this are drumlins, recessional moraines, high 
terraces, eskers, potholes, etc. making up a surface which ranges 
from level to rolling and hilly. This is the roughest and most 
irregular part of the survey. Some slopes are too steep to be 
cultivated. 

Throughout the area of the moraine are to be found numerous 
small lakes where water has accumulated in the depressions of 
the uneven surface. Some of these lakes have no surface out- 
let, while others have. Still other depressions which were orig- 
inally lakes are now marshy or swampy areas. In some of the 
depressions the accumulated organic matter has so far decayed, 
as to form a soil of the nature of peat or muck. The forest 
growth is mainly tamarack, with some cedar. These swampy 
areas among the hills are all comparatively small. In the south- 
western part of the county is a marshy area covering about 55,- 
000 acres, a large part of which has been drained. Another 
large marsh occurs along Little Eau Plaine River in the north- 
western part of the county, and some of this has also been re- 
claimed, but most of this marsh is in adjoining counties. 

Throughout the plain-like region, differences in elevation are 
only slight. Stevens Point has an elevation of 1,086 feet, Ban- 
croft 1,089 and Junction City an elevation of 1,142 feet above 
sea level. The average for the county is about 1,100 feet. 



GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY OF THE AREA. 13 

Water poiuer. — The Wisconsin Eiver is the largest stream in 
the county. Here water power is being extensively developed, 
and much more is available for development. The smaller 
streams also present some possibilities for water power develop- 
ment but on a much smaller scale. 

Settlement. — ^In 1820 the area of the county, together with 
the whole of upper "Wisconsin, was an unbroken wilderness. 
It, like several of the surrounding counties, was first visited by 
the white man for its pine timber. The Indians became 
alarmed at the rapid increase of lumbermen, and complained 
to the Government agents. In 1836 a treaty was made with 
the Menominee Indians for the cession of a strip of land 3 miles 
in width on each side of the Wisconsin River, from Point Bas, 
40 miles up the river, to permit the operations of the lumber- 
men. This was offered for public sale in 1840, which opened 
the country, to the extent of this strip, to occupation and settle- 
ment. Early records show that the first settlers came prin- 
cipally from Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Maine, 
and a few from Canada. At present quite a large proportion 
of the population of Portage County is made up of Poles, Ger- 
mans, Norwegians, and Swedes, who moved here mostly be- 
tween the years 1850 and 1870. Many of them emigrated di- 
rectly from Europe, while others came from the Eastern and 
Central States. In 1910 the population of Portage County was 
22,253. Of this 71.9% was rural. There is an average of 27.4 
people per square mile over the whole county. 

Stevens Point is the county seat and largest town in the area. 
In 1910 it had a population of 8,692. This is the only place 
within the survey having a population of over 1,000. Among 
other towns and villages are Junction City, Plover, Arnott, Am- 
herst, Bancroft, Rosholt, Almond and Amherst Junction. 

Transportation facilities. — Four railway systems have lineS 
extending into this area and fairly good transportation facili- 
ties are afforded all parts of the survey. The Soo Line (old 
Wisconsin Central) crosses the county from southeast to north- 
west, passing through Amherst, Stevens Point and Junction 
City. A branch of this road runs sout!i from Stevens Point to 
Portage. The Green Bay & Western crosses the area from east 
to west through Amherst Jc, Plover and other points. It has a 
spur into Stevens Point from Plover. The C, M. & St. P. Ry. 



14 SOIL SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 

traverses the extreme western side of the county, passing 
through Junction city. ' A branch of the C. & N. W. extends 
into the northeastern corner of the survey, reaching Rosholt. 

Public roads. — Throughout the plain-like part of the area the 
wagon roads are naturally sandy, which is also true of some of 
the roads in the southeastern portion of the county. Through- 
out the remainder of the survey the soils are heavier and roads 
naturally better. In practically all communities good roads 
are being constructed, and there are now many miles of excel- 
lent highways. Rural free delivery routes reach all parts of 
the county and the telephone is in common use throughout the 
country districts. 

Markets. — The towns within the area provide markets for 
considerable farm produce, but most of the surplus from the 
farms is shipped out. Livestock goes mostly to Chicago and 
Milwaukee as does also the potato crop. Dairy products find a 
market throughout the middle west. 

SOILS 

The region covered by the present survey, in common with a 
considerable area extending over several counties in central 
Wisconsin, owes the general character of its surface to several 
different processes of formation. The materials may be of gla- 
cial, residual, alluvial and possibly loessial origin. To these 
may be added the accumulation and decay of large amounts of 
vegetable matter in low places and the formation of Peat. 

From a geological standpoint the county falls naturally into 
two divisions, and a straight line drawn across the area and 
passing through Plover and Custer will closely mark the line 
of contact between the two formations represented here. To 
' the north of this line the surface rock consists of crystalline 
rocks made up chiefly of granite and gneiss. To the south of 
the line the bed rock consists largely of Potsdam sandstone. 

The soils of glacial origin occur to the east of the terminal 
moraine which extends across the entire county from north to 
south in about the center of Townships Range 9 East. This 
moraine marks the border of the Late Wisconsin Glaciation. 
The topography of this region is of a rather irregular charac- 
ter which is typical of most glacial soils. 

The portion of the county west of the terminal moraine is 



GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY OF THE AREA. 15 

within what is commonly called the driftless area or the area 
over which the glaciers did not extend. The soils of this por- 
tion are of two distinct sources of origin. Occupying the greater 
part of the southwestern part of the county, and extending 
north along the Plover and Wisconsin Rivers, is an extensive 
area of level, sandy land which is largely of water laid origin. 
In the lowest places the accumulation of decaying vegetable 
matter has given rise to extensive areas of peat. The second 
class of soil is found in the extreme northwestern quarter of 
the county. Here the soils are largely of residual origin, hav- 
ing been formed from the weathering of the underlying crystal- 
line rocks. 

All rock formations have contributed to a greater or less ex- 
tent in the formation of the soils of the county. In sections 
where sandstone is the underlying rock, the soils are found to 
be derived in part from crystalline rocks and in part from sand- 
stone rocks. This has been brought about by glacial action, 
through the movement of the ice sheet from a region of crystal- 
line rocks to the north and east, and moving to the southeast 
carrying with it crystalline material. Since first deposited, the 
various soil materials have been modified by various agencies 
such as running water, frost, wind, and the accumulation and 
decay of vegetable matter. This material has been classified 
into 14 soil ser'ies and 24 soil types, each of which has charac- 
teristics by which it can be readily recognized. 

The Marathon series consists of light colored upland soils in 
the unglaeiated section where the soil has been formed chiefly 
from the weathering of underlying crystalline rocks. It is con- 
fined to the northwestern portion of the county west of the Plo- 
ver River and north and west of the Wisconsin River. Two 
types, the silt loam and fine sandy loam, were mapped. 

The Colby series includes light colored upland soils within 
the region covered by an early glaciation and also in the drift- 
less area. Its chief characteristics are quite level topography, 
a mottled and heavy subsoil and poor drainage conditions. The 
silt loam and fine sandy loam were mapped in this county and 
they are closely associated with the Marathon soils. The Colby 
series differs from the Marathon chiefly in being lower, more 
nearly level, and having a sitrongly mottled subsoil. It may be 
of the same or slightly different origin. 



16 SOIL SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 

The Kennan series comprises the light colored, upland tim- 
ber soils within the glaciated region where the material has been 
derived largely from crystalline rocks. This is one of the most 
Important series in the county and included much of the best 
farming land in the area. It is mostly confined to the eastern 
half of the county to the east of the terminal moraine. Two 
types, the loam and fine sandy loam were mapped. 

The Antigo series comprises light colored, timbered, alluvial 
soils which occur as stream terraces, filled in valleys or outwash 
plains above the present flood plain where the parent material 
has been derived largely from crystalline rocks. This series is 
found chiefly associated with the Kennan series throughout the 
eastern half of the county. Antigo loam and fine sandy loam 
were mapped. 

The Plainfield series comprises light colored, timbered, allu- 
vial soils where the parent material was largely sandstone, but 
with which some crystalline material has frequently been mixed. 
The soils of this series are mostly light textured. They are eon- 
fined to the Wisconsin River valley in the southwestern part of 
the county. Two types, the sand and sandy loam, were, mapped. 

The Waukesha series comprises dark colored, alluvial soils 
which were sparsely timbered, and where the material occurs 
as stream terraces, filled in valleys or outwash plains. It is 
quite similar to the Antigo and Plainfield soils, and the parent 
material has doubtless come both from sandstone and crystal- 
line rocks. Three types, the sand, sandy loam and fine sandy 
loam were mapped. 

The Dunning series comprises low-lying, dark colored soils 
underlain by light colored material. The soil is poorly drained 
and the parent material was largely sandstone. The material 
is always acid. The sand and sandy loam of this series were 
mapped. 

The Whitman series comprises low-lying, dark colored soils 
derived chiefly from crystalline rock material. The material 
may be alluvial or it may occupy poorly drained depressions in 
the upland. Soils of this series are always acid. The heavy 
types usually predominate. Whitman silt loam is the only 
type of this series mapped in Portage County. 

The Boone series comprises light colored, upland soils which 
have been derived chiefly from the weathering of Potsdam sand- 



GENERAL DESCRIPTION AND HISTORY OF THE AREA. 17 



stone. The Boone soils are very limited extent in this survey 
and are confined to the west central portion of the county. 
Boone sandy loam is the only type of this series mapped. 

The Coloma series consists of light colored upland timbered 
soils derived largely by glaciation from sandstone formations. 
Some granitic material has also been mixed with the sandstone 
drift through glacial action. Sandy types predominate in this 
series. Two types, the sand and sandy loam were mapped in 
this area. 

The Vesper series -includes light colored upland soils where 
the surface is usually level, or nearly so, and where the subsoil 
consists of sandstone rock or sandy material derived from sand- 
stone. Natural drainage is poor except on the rolling phase, 
and the soil is acid. The silt loam is the only twpe mapped. 

The Genesee series comprises light colored, first bottom lands 
which are subject to annual flooding. The series is of limited 
extent and of minor importance in this county. The fine sandy 
loam and silt loam were mapped. 

Peat consists of accumulations of vegetable matter in varying 
stages of decomposition, with which there has been incorporated 
a small amount of mineral matter. The typical Peat and a 
shallow phase were mapped. 

The following table shows the actual and relative extent of 
each of the soils mapped in Portage County. 

AREA OF DIFFERENT SOILS 



Soil 



Per cent 



Peat 

Shallow phase 

Plainfleld sand 

Coloma sand 

Shallow phase 

Colora sandy loam 

Shallow phase 

Plainfleld sandy loam 

Dunning sand 

Kennan fine sandy loam 

Colby fine sandy loam 

Waukesha sand 

Dunning sandy loam 

Kennan loam 

Marathon fine sandy loam 

Colby silt loam 

Rolhng phass 

Antigo fine sandy loam 

Waukesha sandy loam 

Antigo loam 

Whitman silt loam 

Genesee fine sandy lo am 

Grenesee gilt loam 

Marathon silt loam 

Vesper silt lo am 

Rolling phase (Knox silt loam) 
Boone sandy loam 



2-G. S. 




X8 SOIL SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 



CHAPTER II 
GROUP OF HEAVY SOILS 

COLBY SILT LOAM 

(Including the rolling phase) 

Extent and distribution. — The Colby silt loam occupies a to- 
tal area of about 21 square miles and is confined chiefly to the 
northwestern part of the county largely in Township 24 N., R. 
6 E. It joins very extensive areas of similar soil in Wood 
County. 

Description. — The surface soil of this type to an average 
depth of '8 inches consists of a light grayish brown silt loam, 
which has a very high content of silt and a smooth feel. The 
subsoil consists of a heavy, compact, drab or bluish silt loam 
strongly mottled with yellow, brown, and red. This grades 
into mottled silty clay loam at about 2 feet, and the heavy ma- 
ter'ial usually extends to a depth of over 3 feet. In some places 
there is found in the subsoil a layer of red, sticky sandy clay 
loam in which angular rock fragments are found. 

Some variations occur in this soil. A portion of the type 
differs from typical Colby silt loam in being within the ungla- 
ciated region so that the subsoil at least is largely of a residual 
origin. The area in sections 19 and 20 (T. 24 — R. 7 E.) has a 
subsoil of sticky reddish clay. This red clay is found at depths 
varying from 8 to 36 inches beneath the surf ace ; however, in 
certain localities it appears on the surface. The subsoil of all 
the Colby silt loam in Portage County is more variable than 
that found in the large- areas of the same type of soil in Wood 
and Clark Counties. It ranges from a sticky fine s^ndy loam to 
heavy clay loam, however, all of it is very tight and impervi- 
ous. 

Topography and drainage.— -The surface of the Colby silt 
loam varies from level to gently rolling. Where it is level or 



GROUP OF HEAVY SOILS. 19 

only very gently rolling it has been mapped as typical soil, but 
where there is sufficient slope to insure fair to good surface 
drainage, a separation has been made on the soil map and the 
better drained portion referred to as the rolling phase of the 
Colby silt loam. The rolling phase is of very limited extent. 
The only difference between the two phases is that of topogra- 
phy. The drainage conditions on the typical soil are poor and 
the land is apt to be cold and wet in the spring and after heavy 
rains. 

Origin. — This type of soil has probably been formed from two 
sources. The surface soil came in part from the weathering of 
a thin glacial deposit of the early Wisconsin Ice Sheet; while 
the deep subsoil, and in places some of the surface, is residual, 
having been derived from the underlying crystalline rocks. As 
there is no limestone in this section, a very strong acidity pre- 
vails. 

Native vegetation. — The original stand of timber consisted of 
maple, birch, elm, basswood, hemlock, pine, and balsam. 

Agricultural development. — Most of the Colby silt loam is 
cleared and under cultivation. It is a strong, productive soil 
and when properly managed produces very good yields of all 
the common farm crops. 

The type is well adapted to general farming and dairying and 
most of it is well improved. The typical soil in its undeveloped 
stage is inclined to be rather wet but when cleared and cultivat- 
ed the drainage conditions improve somewhat. However, tile 
drains are needed in order that the soil may be permitted to 
drain out and warm up earlier in the spring. 

The chief crops grown are clover and timothy for hay, oats, 
barley, com and potatoes. On the best drained areas very 
good yields are usually secured. The type is especially well 
adapted to grasses, and portions too wet to be tilled in the 
spring provide excellent pasture. 

This soil is more difficult to handle than any of the other 
types of the county and care must be exercised to plow when 
moisture ■ conditions are most favorable. With care a mellow 
seed bed can be secured with but little difficulty. Fall plowing 
is practiced on many farms and this is advisable.* 



* For chemical composition and management of this soil see page 23. 



20 SOIL SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 

MAKATHON SILT LOAM 

Extent and distribution. — The Marathon silt loam is not an 
extensive soil in this county. It is confined to the northwestern 
corner, chiefly Carson Township, with a few small patches in 
Eau Plaine Township. The total area is about 3,000 acres. 

Description. — The surface soil of this type to an average 
depth of 10-12 inches consists of a brown or dark yellowish- 
brown silt loam. Granitic rock fragments of irregular shape 
and small size are scattered quite thickly on the surface in 
places and some fragments also occur through the soil section. 
The subsoil is of a lighter yellowish-brown color than the sur- 
face and in texture is a compact silt loam which at from 20-30 
inches becomes a reddish or yellowish heavy silty clay, or sandy 
clay loam containing small residual granitic fragments of vari- 
ous colors. A layer of fine sandy loam or sandy loam may oc- 
cur in the heavy residual subsoil in some places. The underly- 
ing formation which is entirely crystalline rock is usually found 
at a depth of from 3 to 6 feet. In some places the subsoil con- 
sists simply of disintegrated rock which is often quite highly 
colored. 

Topography and drainage. — In topography tliis type of soil 
varies from undulating to gently rolling. The surface is al- 
ways sufficiently rolling to insure excellent surface drainage. 

Origin. — The surface soil of this type is probably largely re- 
sidual but in places it has a loess-like appearance and may have 
been deposited in part by wind action. The subsoil is princi- 
pally residual, having been formed by the weathering of the un- 
derlying rocks which are chiefly very coarse grained granites. 
While a few glacial boulders are found scattered on the sur- 
face, the effect of glaciation over this region was too slight to 
influence to any extent the formation of the soil. 

Native vegetation. — The original stand of timber was chiefly 
hardwood mixed with hemlock, balsam and pine. The hard- 
woods predominated in nearly all cases, but in a few areas the 
pine made up the greater proportion of the tree growth. Most 
of the timber has been removed, and in places a second growth 
of poplar has sprung up. 

Agricultural development. — Because of its limited extent, 
this type is of but small agricultural importance, but the great- 
er part is under cultivation and highly improved. 



GROUP OF HEAVY /b'O/L-S'. 21 

This soil is devoted to general farming with dairying as an 
important branch. It is a strong productive type and well 
suited to all general farm crops. Yields run about as follows : — 
corn about 50 bushels per acre, oats 30 to 50 bushels, barley 30 
to 35 bushels, potatoes 150 to 200 bushels, and hay li/^ to 2 tons 
per acre. 

Fall plowing is common for this soil. It is more difficult to 
cultivate than soils of lighter texture. The presence of rock 
fragments also makes cultivation more dii!ieult than where these 
are not found. This soil is acid and but little if any effort is 
being made to correct this condition.* 

VESPER SILT LOAM 

This soil is of very limited extent, occupying a total area of 
less than 2 square miles. It is found chiefly to the southwest 
of Stevens Point in the Town of Linwood. 

The surface soil of the Vesper silt loam, extending to an aver- 
age depth of 12 inches, is a light-brown to brown silt loam, un- 
derlain by buff or mottled drab or yellow silt loam. At a depth 
of 18 to 22 inches a layer of reddish-brown or mottled, compact 
silty to sandy clay loam, 2 to 6 inches thick, is encountered. 
Below this the subsoil consists of either a mottled drab and yel- 
low sandy loam or a yellowish sticky sand. Sandstone occurs 
in this lower subsoil at or near the depth of 3 feet and frag- 
ments and slabs of this rock are common on the surface and 
through the surface soil, but not in sufficient abundance to ren- 
der the soil stony. 

The topography is level to slightly sloping. Both surface 
drainage and underdrainage are slow and imperfect. The or- 
iginal timber groAvth included oak, elm, maple, basswood and 
white pine. 

The type is largely under cultivation. The principal crops 
are hay and oats. Part of the tyj)e is used for pasture and a 
smaller acreage for growing corn. Potatoes are grown to a 
small extent, but the soil is rather heavy and wet for this crop. 
Hay yields 1 to II/2 tons per acre and oats about 35 to 45 
bushels. 



* For discussion on chemical composition and management of this 
soil see page 23. 



22 SOIL SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 

This soil occurs in a region devoted largely to general farm- 
ing and it is utilized chiefly for this purpose. It is more diffi- 
cult to handle than soils which have a somewhat rolling surface 
and better drainage. No commercial fertilizers are used, and 
little stable manure is available. 

VESPER SILT LOAM, ROLLING PHASE* 

(Knox Silt Loam) 

This soil is confined to a few small areas southwest of Stevens 
Point, chiefly in Linwood Towti. It occurs associated with Ves- 
per silt loam. It has a total area of about 1,500 acres. 

The soil to a depth of 8 or 10 inches is a light-brown, or when 
dry a grayish-brown, silt loam. This is underlain by a buff- 
colored silt loam. The subsoil is very similar to that of the 
Vesper silt loam except that the mottling is less pronounced 
and often entirely lacking. In the western part of sees. 18 
and 19, T. 23 N., R. 7 E., a small area of fine sandy loam is in- 
cluded with the silt loam. Except for these variations the 
type is quite uniform. 

The snrface has a gently rolling to rolling topography, and 
both surface drainage and underdrainage are good. The orig- 
inal timber growth consisted of oak, maple, and white pine. 
The soil is considered productive and especially adapted to 
small grains and hay and pasture grasses. A fairly large pro- 
portion of the type has been cleared and put under cultivation. 
The principal crops are oats and hay, with a smaller acreage of 
corn and potatoes. Oats ordinarily jdeld from 35 to 50 bushels 
per acre, hay II/2 to 2 tons, potatoes 150 bushels or more, and 
corn 30 to 40 bushels. 

This soil is not diflicult to handle, and a good seed bed can be 
worked up with little difficulty^ No commercial fertilizers are 
used and green manuring is seldom practiced. The supply of 
stable manure is inadequate. Little attention is given to se- 
lecting crop rotations best suited to the Soil. 



loam 



On the accompanying soil map this phase is shown as Knox silt 



GROUP OF HEAVY SOILS. 23 



CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND FERTILITY OF HEAVY SOILS 

The heavy soils of the Colby, Vesper and Marathon series 
have a good supply of the mineral elements phosphorous and 
potassium. 

Phosphorus. — The total amount of phosphorus in an acre to 
a depth of 8 inches varies from 1,100 to 1,400 pounds. This 
would be sufficient for 100 to 150 crops if all were available, but 
it is never practicable to secure good growth from such soils af- 
ter the total phosphorus has been reduced to six or eight hun- 
dred pounds and better results are always secured when the 
total phosphorus content of this layer of soil is retained at from 
1,500 to 2,000 pounds per acre 8 inches. A farmer on this land, 
therefore, shQuld adopt plans which will maintain the present 
supply of this element rather than attempt to draw on it even 
for a short number of years. The availability of this element 
requires a good supply of organic matter. 

Potassium. — The element potassium exists in very much 
larger amounts in these soils than does the element phosphorus — 
in fact they contain on the average over 30,000 pounds of this 
element per acre to a depth of 8 inches. This is a sufficient sup- 
ply to meet the demands of heavy crops for several hundred 
years. The entire problem with reference to patassium, there- 
fore, is connected with its availability. When a good supply of 
active organic matter is present it can be assumed that there is 
sufficient potassium • made available for practically all crops 
grown on this land. In the case of a few special crops requir- 
ing unusually large amounts of this element, such as cabbage 
and tobacco, the use of potash fertilizers may in some cases be 
profitable. The system of farming followed will also influence 
the potassium supply. A large part of this element goes to the 
stalks and straw of the plant so that if the hay and rough for- 
age is fed the greater portion of this element is returned to 
the land in the manure — differing radically from phosphorus 
which goes to the grain and is, therefore, more likely to be sold. 

Organic matter and nitrogen. — Compared with prairie soils 
which have shown a lasting fertility, these soils are distinctly 
low in organic matter and nitrogen. In fact, most upland soils 
of wooded regions are low in organic matter. When stock 
raising is practiced manure is available and is of course good as 



24 



BOIL PURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 



far as it goes, but on comparatively, few farms is there suffi- 
cient manure produced to maintain the organic matter in soils 
of this character, and other means should be used to supplement 
the barnyard manure. Green manuring crops should be used as 
far as possible, turning under the second crop of clover when- 
ever this can be done rather than using it for pasture. Seed- 
ing clover in corn at the last cultivation will secure good growth 
when the season is favorable. Cultivated ground when used 
for pasture should not be grazed closely. 

Nitrogen is perhaps the most essential element of plant food 
and large amounts are used by all crops. It exists only in the 
organic or vegetable matter of the soil, there being none what- 
ever in the earthy material derived from the rocks. Soils which 
are low in organic matter are, therefore, also low in nitrogen. 
By all means the cheapest source of this element is through the 
growth of legumes such as clover, alfalfa, soy beans, etc., which 
collect it from the atmosphere. "When these crops are turned 
under they contain an abundance of this element. When fed 
to stock a portion only is returned to the land. But when land 
of the character of that under discussion is used for mixed 
farming so that at least one-fourth produces a good crop of clo- 
ver or alfalfa each year the supply of nitrogen can be main- 
tained on a dairy or stock farm but where any considerable por- 
tion of the land is in crops which are sold entirely one-third 
or more would have to be in some legume crop to maintain the 
nitrogen supply. 

Acidity and liming. Since all of these soils were formed from 
rocks not containing lime carbonate they are essentially all acid. 
The degree of acidity varies from one which would require 1,000 
to that which would require 5,000 pounds or more lime to cor- 
rect. This acidity is not in itself a direct detriment to the 
growth of most farm crops, but does interfere with the growth 
of the best legumes. Clover will do well while this soil is new 
even though acid, but after this land has been cropped a num- 
ber of years the acidity should be corrected to secure the best 
results with medium red or mammoth clover. Alfalfa is very 
sensitive to acidity and lime in some form must be used to se- 
cure good results with this crop even on new land. 

Crops. — Marathon silt loam and the rolling phase of Colby 
and Vesper silt loams are adapted to a wide range of crops in- 



GROUP OF HEAVY SOILS. 25 

chiding corn, root crops, grasses and small grains. The typical 
Colby silt loam and Vesper silt loams, however, are not so well 
adapted to such a range of crops because their level surface and 
heavy subsoil give them rather inadequate drainage. They are, 
however, well adapted to grains and grasses. Fields on the 
Colby and Vesper soils having good slope and surface drainage 
can be made to produce good corn by careful management. The 
soils o fthis group are well adapted to dairy farming on ac- 
count of their unusual fitness for the growing of hay and pasture. 



26 SOIL SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 



CHAPTER III 
GROUP OF MEDIUM HEAVY SOILS 

KENNAN LOAM 

Extent and distribution. — The Kennan loam is confined almost 
entirely to the eastern tier of townships where it is associated 
with other soils of the Kennan, Antigo, and Coloma series. It 
has a total area of about 21 square miles, and is one of the best 
soils in the county. 

Description. — The surface soil to a depth of 14 to 18 inches 
is a light brown or buff colored loam to silt loam underlain 
by a brown compact gravelly sandy loam or sandy clay which 
changes gradually at 24 to 30 inches or below into a brown or 
yellowish sand and gravel. 

Over virgin areas the surface few inches are dark due to an 
accumulation of organic matter, while over plowed areas this 
material has been incorporated w'ith the surface soil to the 
depth of plowing with a resultant grayish-brown color. On 
the typical soil a moderate number of stones and boulders are 
found on the surface and through the soil, but these are not so 
numerous as to interfere seriously with cultivation. A vari- 
able per cent of gravel occurs in the surface and upper subsoil 
in places, but such material is more often found in the lower 
subsoil. The most important variation in this soil is in connec- 
tion with its stoniness. Where stones and boulders were found 
to be sufficiently numerous to interfere materially with cultural 
operations such tracts were indicated separately on the soil map. 
In a few places the land is so rocky that the removal of the 
stones would be too costly to be carried out, and the land will be 
used largely for pasture. Such tracts, however, are of very lim- 
ited extent. 

Topography and drainage. — The topography of this soil var- 
ies from gently rolling to rolling, and while the type occurs on 



GROUP OF MEDIUM HEAVY SOILS. 27 

some of the largest and highest hills, .steep or abrupt slopes 
are uncommon. Practically all of the land can be placed under 
cultivation except the extremely stony tracts mentioned above. 
The drainage conditions are excellent. 

Origin. — The Kennan loam is a glacial soil formed from ma- 
terial left by the Late Wisconsin Ice Sheet. The rocks are near- 
ly all granitic and the soil is in an acid condition. 

Native vegetation. — The original stand of timber was maple, 
hickory, birch, oak, and a small amount of white pine. 

Agricultural development. — This is considered one of the 
strongest and most fertile soils in the county and is well 
adapted to general farming and dairying which are the impor- 
tant lines followed. Most of the land is improved and under 
cultivation. Good yields of all the ordinary farm crops can be 
produced. Hay is an important crop, and good pastures are 
readily maintained. Large yields of corn and potatoes are com- 
mon. Small farm orchards, especially of apples, do well, and 
strawberries and bush berries make very satisfactory returns. 

This soil is somewhat heavier to work than lighter members of 
the Kennan series, but a good tilth can be secured without diffi- 
culty. The heaviest portion of the type occurs chiefly as broad 
topped hills south of Paloniia and in the vicinity of Benson's 
Corners and Amherst. More care must be exercised in culti- 
vating this heavy phase than the remainder of the type.* 

ANTIGO LOAM 

Extent and distribution. — This type is ma;pped principally in 
the eastern part of the county, chiefly in the towns of Alban, 
New Hope and Amherst. It occurs in areas mostly less than 1 
square mile in exteiit. The total area is approximately 5,000 
acres. 

Description. — The Antigo loam to an average depth of 12 
inches consists of a brown or buff loam. The surface soil may 
be underlain by several inches of lighter colored sandy loam or 
loam, or may grade into a brown, compact, gravelly clay or 
sandy loam, which changes abruptly at 24 to 30 inches or below 
into brown coarse sand and fine gravel, with frequent layers of 



* For discussion on chemical composition and management of this 
soil see page 36. 



28 SOIL SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 

coarser gravel interbedded. This type is free from large stones 
and boulders, but gravel and small rounded cobbles occur quite 
generally in noticeable quantities on the surface and through 
the surface soil. 

A silty variation of the Antigo loam occurs on the high gla- 
cial terrace along the valley of Waupaca River, in townships 
22 and 23, range 10. If this soil were of sulScient extent it would 
be mapped separately as the Antigo silt loam. The soil of this 
variation to an average depth of 8 inches consists of a grayish- 
brown silt loam resting upon a buff-colored silt loam, which 
changes at a depth of 14 to 16 inches to a light-brown compact 
silty clay loam. This heavy subsoil may continue to a depth 
of over 36 inches or it may change abruptly at any 
depth below 24 inches to a brown coarse sand mixed with well- 
rounded gravel. Over the greater part of its extent this soil is 
quite uniform. In sec. 1, T. 22 N., R. 10 E., just south of where 
the Minneapolis, St. Paul & Sault Ste Marie Railway crosses 
the eastern boundary of the county, the surface soil is decided- 
ly darker than typical. 

Topography and drainage. — The type occupies flat or slightly 
undulating terraces, which are frequently dotted with pits and 
potholes. The natural surface drainage and underdrainage are 
good. In places where the terraces are badly eroded and where 
the potholes are so numerous as to produce a rolling surface, the 
soil is mapped with the Kennan loam, being separated chiefly 
because of the difference in topography. 

Origin. — The Antigo loam is an alluvial soil having been de- 
posited as outwa»h plains and as stream terraces. Many of 
these terraces are high above the bed of the present day streams. 
The material has been derived largely from granitic rocks and 
the resulting soil is all acid. 

Native vegetation. — The original timber growth consisted of 
oak, maple, elm, and hemlock with some white pine. Practi- 
cally all timber has been cut. 

Agricultural development. — Antigo loam is a desirable soil 
agriculturally. By far the greater part of it is under cultiva- 
tion and quite highly improved.* 

The principal crops grown, named in the order of tbeir im- 
portance, are hay, oats, potatoes and corn. The type of agri- 
culture most largely followed consists of general farming, with 



GROUP OF MEDIUM HEAVY SOILS. 29 

dairying aiid patato growing as the two leading brandies. Hay- 
on the average yields II/2 ^^ '^V-i tons per acre, oats 40 to 60 
bushels, potatoes 100 to 200 bushels, corn 30 to 60 bushels, and 
silage 12 to 16 tons. Little difficulty is experienced in working 
up a good seed bed. Stable manure is practically the only fer- 
tilizer used, but in a few instances green manuring has been 
practiced. 

Land values on this type range from $60 or $75 to about $100 
an acre, the price depending upon the location of the farm, the 
acreage under cultivation, and the improvements.* 

KENNAN FINE SANDY LOAM 

Extent and distribution. — The Kennan fine sandy loam is one 
of the important and extensive types of the county. It is con- 
fined chiefly to the eastern portion of the county, the largest 
tracts being found east of the Plover Eiver and north of the 
Soo Eailway line. With it are associated other soils of the Ken- 
man and Antigo series, and in the low places small areas of past 
are common. 

Description. — The surface soil to an average depth of 14 
inches consists of a buff colored or yellowish-brown heavy fine 
_ sandy loam of a friable structure. The surface 1 or 2 inches of 
virgin areas is dark gray in color due to the accumulation of 
considerable organic matter. Over plowed areas this material 
has been distributed through the surface soil to the depth of 
plowing with a resultant grayish brown color. The surface soil 
grades into a subsoil of brown or reddish-brown compact sandy 
loam, fine sandy loam or sandy clay which passes at 20 to 24 
inches or below into gravelly sandy loam or gravelly sand of the 
same or lighter color. A small amount of gravel frequently 
occurs in the surface soil and upper subsoil, but this material 
is concentrated mainly below the heavy stratum in the subsoil. 
A few stones and boulders of moderate size are found here 
and there over the surface of the typical soil p.nd through the 
soil profile, but not in sufficient numbers to interfere seriously 
with cultivation. 

This soil is quite uniform throughout its extent, except that 
there is a wide variation in the stoniness. In places the stones 



* For discussion on chemical composition and management of this 
soil see page 36. 



30 'S'O/i SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 

are so large and numerous as to seriously interfere with culti- 
vation, and to remove them would be very difficult and expen- 
sive. Such extremely stony areas have been indicated on the 
map by means of symbols. In these stony tracts there is more 
gravel in the subsoil than where but few stones are found. 

Topography and drainage. — The surface of this soil ranges 
from gently rolling to rolling, and because of the surface feat- 
ures and the gravelly condition of the subsoil, the natural drain- 
age is good. The soil retains moisture well and therefore suf- 
fers less from drought than most other soils of the county. 

Origin.— The Kennan fine sandy loam is a glacial soil of the 
Late Wisconsin Glaciation. It has been formed largely from 
granitic rocks and is in an acid condition. 

Native vegetation. — The original timber growth consisted 
chiefly of maple, birch, basswood, oak, hemlock, balsam, and 
pine. Most of the good timber has been cut, and the land which 
is not under cultivation is either covered with a second growth 
of poplar and other trees or with trees of but little value ex- 
cept for cord wood. 

Agricultural development. — The greater proportion of the 
Kennan fine sandy loam is improved and under cultivation. 
It is one of the most desirable soils in the County and is well 
adapted to general farming, and especially to the dairy indus- ' 
try. The chief crops grown and the average yields obtained 
are potatoes 150 bushels, corn 35-50 bushels, rye 20 bushels, 
oats 30^0 bushels, barley 25 bushels and hay about II/2 tons 
per acre. Apples and small fruits are grown on many farms, 
but usually for home use only. 

Where boulders are not plentiful this soil is comparatively 
easy to handle. It can be cultivated under a rather wide range in 
moisture and good tilth and maintained without difficulty. A ro- 
tation quite common on this consists of corn or potatoes, followed 
by a small grain seeded to timothy and clover. Hay is usually 
cut two years before the land is again plowed for a cultivated 
crop. The field may be pastured for a year before being 
plowed. Stable manure is most often applied to sod land. 

Farms of t"his type of soil sell at from $40-$75 or more per 
acre depending upon amount of land cleared, on the improve- 
ments and the location.* 



* For discussion of chemical composition and management of this 
soil see page 36. 



2. P 5! 




GROUP OF MEDIUM HEAVY SOILS. 31 



COLBY FINE SANDY LOAM 

Extent and distribution. — This soil is found only in the 
northwestern part of the county chiefly in the towns of Eau 
Plaine, Carson, and Dewey. It covers a total area of approxi- 
mately 35 square miles, but no one continuous tract is over 5 
or 6 square miles in extent 

Description. — The surface of this type to an average depth 
of about 8 inches consists of a dark bro^^^l to grayish-brown 
fine sandy loam or sandy loam, which contains a fair amount of 
organic matter. This is underlain by a yellow or yellowish- 
brown fine sandy loam to a depth of over 3 feet. Sticky layers 
of clay or of compact fine sand or sandy loam occur in the sub- 
soil. Angular rock fragments occur on the surface or are 
mixed with the soil. The underlying crystalline rocks are some- 
times encountered within the 3 foot section, while in other 
places partly weathered rock occurs at about 3 feet from the 
surface. A marked variation is found in the subsoil in Sec- 
tions 28, 29, 30, 32, and 33 in Township 24 N., R. 7 E., where a 
heavy red clay is found at about 12 to 36 inches beneath the 
surface. Variations in stoniness also are found, the most stony 
areas being indicated on the soil map by symbols. 

Topography and drainage. — The surface varies from level to 
gently undulating or sloping and the natural drainage is defi- 
cient. The type is found as gentle slopes or level strips bor- 
dering streams, swamps or drainage swales, which are kept 
more or less permanently wet by springs, seepage and run-off 
from higher lying land. Some of this soil includes elevated 
areas of fine sandy loam which have very gently undulating to 
flat topography. "While these areas are better drained than the 
low lying tracts, they are still deficient in this respect. 

Origin. — This type of soil is largely of residual origin, and 
in this respect differs from typical soils. While the region was 
traversed by an early ice sheet, the resulting influence on the 
soils was very slight. All of the material came from crystal- 
line rocks and the soil is now quite strongly acid. 

Agricultural development. — Probably about half of the type 
is cleared and improved. The better drained areas are culti- 
vated to the general farm crops common to the region, and the 
wettest portions are used for pasture. The best crops are se- 



32 ^OIL PURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 

cured during dry years. The poorly drained condition makes 
the soil cold and backward in the spring. The chief crops 
grown are hay, oats, corn and some potatoes. Average yields 
are somew^hat lower than on higher lying better drained soil of 
the same texture. 

The methods of farming followed are not those best adapted 
to permanently improve the soil, but little attention being given 
to rotations and tillage best adapted to it.* 

MARATHON FINE SANDY LOAM 

Extent and distribution. — The Marathon fine sandy loam is 
confined to the northwestern portion of the county, being found 
chiefly in Eau Plaine and Carson Townships. It covers an 
area of about 21 square miles. 

. Description. — The surface soil of this type to a depth of 10 
inches consists of a dark brown to grayish-brown .fine sandy 
loam. The subsoil consists of a yellowish-brown fine sandy 
loam to 36 or 40 inches. A layer of sandy loam or loamy fine 
sand on sticky sandy clay and crumbly disintegrated rock may 
be found below 2 feet in some borings. The subsoil often var- 
ied in color depending upon the color of the rock from which 
derived. Granitic rock fragments and quartz pebbles of small 
size are often scattered on the surface. The soil is subject to 
numerous variations, all of which are limited in extent. 

Topography and drainage. — The topography is undulating 
to gently rolling. The rather sandy subsoil and the rolling sur- 
face make the drainage conditions nearly perfect except in a 
few of the more nearly level areas. 

Origin. — This soil has been formed largely from the weather- 
ing of the underlying crystalline rocks, and the variations in 
texture are due to the difference in the rock from which the 
soil was formed. While this is considered to be a residual soil, 
the region has undoubtedly been at least slightly effected by 
glacial action, but this has had no appreciable effect on the 
soils. 

Native vegetation. — The original timber growth consisted 
largely of hemlock, balsam and maple, with which there was 
varying amounts of white pine. 



* For discussion of chemical cp^position and management of this 
soil see page 36. 



GROUP OF MEDIUM Ht]AVY HOILH. 33 

Present agricultural development. — A large proportion of this 
soil is improved and under cultivation. It is of good quality 
and adapted to all general farm crops grown in this region. 
Small grains, corn, and potatoes do well, and hay and pasture 
can be furnished so that dairying is coming to be the leading 
industry. The soil dries out earlier in the spring, it is easier 
to cultivate and work and it can be worked under a wider 
range of moisture conditions than the heavier soils.* 

ANTIGO FINE SANDY LOAM 

Extent and distribution. — The Antigo fine sandy loam is of 
limited extent and occurs in areas of from a few acres to about 
one square mile in extent. It is confined largely to the east 
central part of the county, Avith the largest tracts located in 
sections 5 and 6 of Lanark Township. Several other tracts are 
found along the Wisconsin River near the northern borders of 
the eounty. The total area is about 16 square miles. 

Description. — The surface soil on this type to an average 
depth of 10 to 12 inches consists of a grayish-brown to brown 
fine sandy loam. There is only a moderate amount of organic 
matter in the surface soil which sliows some acidity. The sub- 
soil begins as a yellowish-brown fine sandy loam and changes 
at 20 to 24 inches to a brown compact gravelly clay loam. 
This compact stratum may extend to a depth greater than 36 
inches or it may pass abruptly into stratified sand and gravel 
at 30 inches or below. This type, like all of the Antigo soils, 
is free from large stones and boulders, but a noticeable amount 
of gravel and cobbles is commonly found on the surface and in 
the subsoil. Ordinarily the soil is quite uniform in its charac- 
teristics, but some variation in the texture of the surface soil 
was noted. In the southeastern part of the county several 
tracts are finer in texture than typical, while in the vicinity of 
Benson's corners some of the type approaches a loam in text- 
ure. The boundary line between this type and Waukesha fine 
sandy loam is frequently an arbitrary one. As the latter type 
is approached the Antigo fine sandy loam gradually becomes 
darker in color. The portion of the type along the Wisconsin 
River has a chocolate brown color, contains considerable very 



* For discussion of chemical composition and management of this 
soil see page 36. 

3— G. S. 



34 SOIL SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 

fine sand, and a smaller amount of gravel than is found in the 
typical sand. The depth to sand or stratified sand and gravel 
is also less than in the typical soil. 

Topography and drainage. — The surface is level to very gent- 
ly undulating, sometimes having a very gentle slope toward the 
stream along which it occurs. It usually occupies a position 
well above all the flood plains, and because of the open charac- 
ter of the subsoil the natural drainage is excellent. Along the 
"Wisconsin River the type is lower than elsewhere, and in a few 
instances the lowest portion has been flooded during extremely 
high water. 

Origin. — This soil is of alluvial origin and occurs as stream 
terraces or outwash plains. It has been derived largely from 
crystalline rocks and carried to its present position through 
the action of running water. 

Native vegetation. — The original timber growth consisted 
of pin€ and hardwood mixed. In some places the pine pre- 
dominated, while in others the hardwood was the chief tree 
growth with hemlock also occurring to some extent. 

Present agricultural development. — Antigo fine sandy loam is 
considered one of the most desirable soils in the county, 
though few farms are located entirely upon it. It is highly 
improved, and is well adapted to all of the general farm crops 
grown in the region. It is devoted chiefly to general farming 
and dairying, with potato growing an important branch of the 
farm practice. Due to the large amount of fine sand present 
in the surface soil it is easy to cultivate and can be kept in a 
good state of tilth under a wide range of moisture conditions. 
The surface features permit the use of all modern farm machin- 
ery. 

The crops most extensively grown and the yields usually ob-' 
tained are oats 35 to 60 bushels per acre, corn 40 to 65 bushels, 
silage 15 tons, 1-ay li^ to 2i/2 tons, barley 25 to 35 bushels, rye 
20 bushels, and potatoes from 150 to 200 bushels per acre. 
Strawberries and bush berries for home use are grown, though 
the lack of good air drainage would doubtless make commer- 
cial orchards hazardous. Apple trees make a thrifty growth 
on the higher portions of this soil and a lew well selected va- 
rieties could doubtless be successfully grown for home use.* 



* For discussion of chemical composition and management of this soil 
see page 36. 



GROUP 01'' MEDIUM HEAVY SOIL^S. 35 



WAUKESHA FINE SANDY LOAM 

Extent and distribution. — The Waukesha fine sandy loam is 
of very limited extent, the largest tract occurring directly south 
of Arnott forming a part of Little Whig Prairie. The total 
area of the type is about 3 square miles. 

Description. — The surface soil of this type to an average 
depth of 12-14 inches consists of a black or very dark brown 
fine sandy loam to loam, and contains a large amount of organ- 
ic matter. The subsoil begins as a brown sandy loam which 
changes at 20-24 inches to a brown or yellowish brown compact 
gravelly sandy loam or gravelly clay loam. This compact layer 
usually extends to a depth greater than 3 feet, but it is under- 
lain by a lighter colored stratified sand and gravel which may 
be encountered at or below 30 inches. There are no variations 
worthy of note except that the color of the soil grows lighter 
as the neighboring Antigo types are approached. 

Topography and drainage. — The surface of this soil is level 
or very gently undulating. Although the downward movement 
of water through the soil is somewhat slow, the type in general 
is fairly well drained. After heavy rains, especially during the 
spring, water may stand on the lower places for a time. Tiie 
soil retains moisture well, and crop yields are seldom diminished 
through lack of water. 

Origin. — This soil is of alluvial origin and occurs as flat ter- 
races along streams or as outwash plains. The dark color of the 
surface is due to the accumulation of decayed organic matter. 

Native vegetation. — The original timber was oak, maple and 
some pine. Some of this land was never forested. 

Present agricultural development. — This is a very good soil 
for general farming and all the land is improved and under cul-' 
tivation. Dairying is extensively practiced, and hog raising is 
also an important source of income. Large yields of oats, rye. 
barley, clover, corn, and potatoes are obtained nearly every year. 
The soil is heavier to work than the sand soil, but owing to the 
large amount of organic matter present, a good tilth is readily 
secured. The strong acidity of the soil makes it highly desirable 
to apply lime in order to get the best results. 



3(3 SOIL SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 



CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND FERTILITY OF LOAMS AND FINE SANDY 

LOAMS 

These soils are oiily a little more open in texture than the silt 
and clay loam types. They have a good water-holding capacity 
and "will support very good pasture, but the somewhat higher 
percentage of fine sand which they contain reduces the water 
content of the surface somewhat so that they warm up more 
readily in the spring and have less tendency to bake and crack 
than the heavier soils. These qualities make them better adapt- 
ed to such crops as corn and potatoes than are the heavier soils. 

The total amount of the plant food elements, phosphorus and 
potassium, is nearly if not quite as large in the Kennan and An- 
tigo fine sandy loams as in the silt loam. However, they 
have rather less organic matter and this, together with the 
somewhat coarser texture results in a slower rate of chemi- 
cal change by which the inert plant food of the soil becomes 
available to crops. For this reason the increase in the supply 
of active or fresh organic matter and the use of available plant 
food either in the form of stable manure or of commercial fer- 
tilizers becomes more important and especially when crops such 
as potatoes which are sold from the farm, and of which heavy 
yields must be grown to be profitable, are produced. 

The increase in the supply of active organic matter is of the 
utmost importance. A high degree of fertility cannot be main- 
tained in these soils unless about twice as large an amount of 
organic matter is developed in them as that which they orig- 
inally have. The plowing under of legumes, such as a second 
crop of clover or a crop of soybeans, is the best method of se- 
curing this result. The application of phosphorus and potas- 
sium fertilizers can best be made for these crops, since it secures 
a much larger growth of these crops themselves and becomes 
available through their decomposition to the following crops of 
corn or potatoes. 

These soils wee derived from rocks devoid of lime carbonates 
and therefore have a marked tendency to become acid. The 
degree of acidity is usually only slight in the new soil, but in- 
creases as the land is cropped from year to year. This acidity 
does not affect the growth of most crops directly, but makes it 
more difficult to maintain a good degree of fertility. This is 



GROUP OF MEDIUM HEAVY SOILS. 37 

true because it is a condition unfavorable to the continued 
growth of the best legumes — clover and alfalfa. The slight de- 
gree of acidity does not interfere with the growth of clover 
while the soil is comparatively new, but does reduce the yields 
as the fertility is reduced by further cropping and even in the 
virgin condition acidity interferes with the gro^^i:h of alfalfa. 
It is also a condition unfavorable to the maintenance of a good 
supply of readily available phosphorus in the soil. These objec- 
tions are probably not sufficient to make necessary the use of 
lime to correct the acidity on all of the land under cultivation 
for a number of years, but does make it desirable that farmers 
wishing to grow alfalfa should lime as well as inoculate the soil 
for this crop and also to watch the growth of clover carefully 
from year to year, so as to begin the use of lime on the fields as 
they are sown to clover as soon as it becomes difficult to secure a 
good stand. 

These types of soils are well adapted to general farming and. 
some special crops such as potatoes can also be grown to good 
advantage. 



38 SOIL SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 



1 



CHAPTER IV. 
GROUP OF MEDIUM SANDY SOILS 

COLOMA SANDY LOAM 

Extent and distribution. — This soil with its shallow phase oc- 
cupies 10.9 per cent of the county, the phase embracing less than 
one-tenth of the total area. 

The typical soil is well distributed throughout the two east- 
ern tiers of townships where it occurs in areas of from a few 
acres to several square miles. 

Description. — The soil of the Coloma sandy loam to an average 
depth of 10 to 14 inches consists of a brown or grayish-brown, 
mellow sandy loam, with only a moderate content of organic mat- 
ter. The subsoil is a buff-colored or yelloAvish-brown, light-text- 
ured sandy loam. It changes at 20 to 24 inches into a light- 
brown, compact, gravelly sandy loam or gravelly clay loam layer 
which has a thickness of 6 to 10 inches. Below this a gravelly 
sand extends to a depth of over 36 inches. Stones and bowlders 
occur in places upon the surface, but usually not in sufficient 
numbers to detract from the value of the type. Areas wherein 
stones and bowlders are so numerous that their removal presents 
a serious problem are indicated on the soil map by means of stone 
symbols. 

A variation in texture occurs in this type, where the surface 
soil is a brown or light-brown loamy sand. This light-textured 
soil is confined chiefly to the region south and west of Amherst. 
Some eroded terraces are also included, the soil here differing 
from the typical chiefly in topography, although it also contains 
more gravel. 

Topography and drainage.- — The surface of the Coloma sandy 
loam varies from gently rolling to rolling and hilly. The rough- 
est areas are those which are extremely stony. Because of the 
surface relief and the loose character of the material the natural 



GROUP OF MEDIUM SANDY SOILS. 39 

drainage is sometimes excessive and the type is somewhat 
droughty, though not as markedly so as the Coloma sand. An 
exception to this thorough drainage occurs in township 25, 
range 9, where several areas have rather imperfect drainage, 
even though the surface is somewhat rolling, owing to the im- 
pervious nature of the compact layer in the subsoil. 

Origin. — The Coloma sandy loam consists of glacial material 
which was derived in part from sandstone and in part from 
crystalline rocks. Because of its sandy nature and high per- 
centage of material from sandstone it has been classed with the 
Coloma series. All of the material forming the soil is in an acid 
condition. 

Native vegetation. — The original timber growth consisted 
chiefly of oak, maple, and white pine, the best of which has been 
cut. , 

Present agricultural development. — The greater proportion of 
this soil is cleared and under cultivation. It may be considered 
as being moderately productive with all the advantages as well 
as some of the disadvantages of a sandy soil. The crops to 
which it is best adapted are potatoes, corn, rye and truck crops. 
Oats and hay can be produced, but the yields are not very 
heavy. The methods of farming are not those best suited to in- 
creasing the fertility of the soil. Stable manure is the only 
fertilizer used to any considerable extent and the supply of this 
is inadequate. Green manuring is seldom practiced. 

This soil is better adapted to potatoes than the sand types, 
and wherever possible such soil should be selected for commer- 
cial potato growing in preference to sand. 

While Coloma sand is somewhat . deficient in plant food ele- 
ments it is a fair soil and can be successfully improved. 

For a more complete discussion of the chemical composition 
and management of this soil see page 44. 

Coloma Sandy Loam — Shallow Phase. — This phase is con- 
fined entirely to the northwestern portion of the county chiefly 
in the towns Eau Plaine and Dewey. It covers a total area of 
4,928 acres. 

The surface soil is similar in color and texture to the typical 
soil but usually not quite as deep. The subsoil to a depth of 
about 2 feet is also about the same, though in the shallow phase 
it is sometimes slightly mottled. Below 2 feet the subsoil is usu- 



40 SOIL SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 

ally a mottled sandy loam or sometimes a gritty clay loam. This 
rather hea\^^ material nsTially extends below 36 inches, though 
frequently a la^^er of sand and gravel is encountered below 30 
inches. In a few places the subsoil below 20 inches was found 
to be a heavy, greasy, gritty, dark red clay. 

Angular granitic stones are scattered over the surface in 
places. A few rounded bowlders were also noted. Extremely 
stuny areas are shown on the map by symbols. 

The surface features are very similar to the typical soil, but 
the natural drainage is not quite as thorough. 

In origin the phase differs more from the typical soil than in 
other respects. The surface may be partly glacial from an early 
glaciation which influenced this portion of the county only very 
slightly. The subsoil where heavy and containing angular 
rock fragments is doubtless residual from granitic rocks. The 
depth to rock usually being less than on the typical soil has sug- 
gested the term "shallow phase". 

The orig'inal timber growth was the same as on the typical 
soil. The same crops are grown, about the same yields ob- 
tained, and the soil has practically the same value as has the 
typical soil, and for these reasons they have been placed in the 
same type. 

PLAINFIELD SANDY LOAM 

Extent and distribution.- — The Plainfield sandy loam is one 
of the important and extensive types of soil in Portage County. 
The largest body of this soil is an irregularly broken belt ex- 
tending through the center of the county from north to south. 
This tract is about seven miles long and extends from north of 
Ellis to a point several miles south of Stockton. Several small- 
er areas of one square mile or more are found in Alma and 
Buena Vista Townships and in the vicinity of Rosholt. It cov- 
ers a total area of about 52 square miles. 

Description. — The surface soil of this type to an average 
depth of from 8 to 12 inches consists of a grayish-brown or 
brown sandy loam, with a rather low content of organic mat- 
ter. The subsoil is a yellowish-brown loamy sand to sandy loam 
ill its upper portion, changing at 20 to 24 inches to a bro-v^Ti 
compact gravelly sandy loam or gravelly clay loam. This may 
continue to a depth of over 36 inches or change abruptly to a 



GROUP OF MEDIUM HANDY BOILS. 41 

coarse yellow sand interniixed with layers of well rounded gra- 
. nitic gravel. 

The chief variation in the texture of this soil ds where the 
type joins the Plainiield sand in which the surface soil is often 
a loamy sand or in a few places a sand. South of Ellis the 
surface soil is somewhat darker than typical, but the texture is 
still a sandy loam. The same condition occurs to a lesser ex- 
tent in a number of places throughout the type. Small amounts 
of gravel are found upon the surface in places and also in the 
upper subsoil, but as a rule the gravelly material is concentrat- 
ed in the lower subsoil, chiefly below a depth of 20 inches. 

Topography and drainage. — The surface of this soil is level 
or very gently undulating. It is largely a terrace formation which 
is well above the present flood plain of the streams. These 
terraces may occur at different elevations with steep, abrupt 
slopes leading from one to the other. These slopes are often, 
quite badly eroded and in some instances erosion channels have 
eaten their way back into the terrace for a short distance. 
Where erosion or other causes liave left the terrace cut up so 
that it has lost its level characteristics, such tracts have been 
included with the Coloma sandy loam. 

Because of the elevated position of some areas, and because 
of the character of the soil and subsoil in all cases the natural 
drainage of this type is good. Over the lowest portions of the 
soil spring rains may cause small pools of water to stand on the 
surface for a while, but seldom as long as to dela}^ the usual 
spring work. The soil, however, is usually sufficiently heavy to 
retain moisture fairly well and general farm crops do not suffer 
to a much greater extent than on the heavier types of the county. 

Origin. — The Plainfield sandy loam is a water-formed soil and 
occurs as level stream terraces or outwash plains. It is formed 
from both sandstone and crystalline rocks. Most of the gravel 
especially that in the subsoil is of these latter rocks. 

Native vegetation. — The original stand of timber was white 
^^ak, red oak, maple, elm and some white pine. All of this has 
been cut except a few scattered wood lots. 

Present agricultural development. — Practically all of this 
soil has been cleared and is at present under cultivation. It is 
considered a fairly fertile and productive soil, easy to work, 
and one which can be cultivated under a wide range of mois- 



42 SOIL SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 

ture conditions. It is quite Ioav in organic matter and in its 
water holding capacity and presents some problems common 
to all sandy soils. The leading crops grown are potatoes, com, 
rye, and barley. Potatoes form the leading cash crop, and much 
of the land is devoted to the growing of potatoes. Soy beans 
have been successfully grown, and where the soil has been 
limed and manured good yields of alfalfa have been secured. 

This is one of the most desirable extensive soils in the state 
for the commercial groAving of potatoes. Having some silt and 
clay present in the subsoil it retains fertilizers and moisture 
m.uch better than the sand types, and is easier to improve. 
While it is somewhat deficient in plant food, this defect can be 
corrected quite readily. For a more complete discussion of tlie 
chemical composition and management of this soil see page 44. 

WAUKESHA SANDY LOAM 

Extent and distribution. — The principal area of Waukesha 
sandy loam occurs in the vicinity of Almond where it forms an 
extension or part of the Grand Prairie which lies to the south 
in Waushara County. A smaller tract is found north of Arnot. 
The total area is 5,440 acres. 

Description. — The surface soil is a sandy loam ranging in 
depth from 8 to 16 inches. It lis dark brown to black in color 
when moist, and dark gray to .dark grayish-brown when dry. 
This soil was originally a prairie aiid the dark color is due to 
the high content of organic matter. The surface soil is under- 
lain to a depth of 18 to 24 inches by a brown sandy loam where 
it passes into a brown, compact, gravelly sandy loam, or gravel- 
ly clay loam. This compact stratum may extend to a greater 
depth than 36 inches, but it is usually underlain at a depth of 
30 inches or over by sand and gravel. This sand and gravel 
is distinctly stratified and the change from the overlying ma- 
terial to it is almost always very sharp and abrupt. No im- 
portant variations exist except that the line between the Wau- 
kesha sandy loam and the associated Plainfield types is usually 
somewhat indistinct. 

Topography and Drainage. — The soil occurs as level outwash 
plains or as terraces in a succession of bench levels which vary in 
topography from level to very gently undulating. The natural 
drainage is excellent, and in places excessive water will some- 



GROUP OF MEDIUM SANDY SOILS. 43 

times slciiid for a time in low places in the spring or during 
continued rainy periods. The soil retajins moisture fairly well, 
and crop yields are more certain than on the sand soils. 

Origin. — This is a water laid soil and consists of stream ter- 
races, ontwash plains or filled in valleys. The dark surface soil 
is due to an accumulation of decayed organic matter, largely 
prairie grass. 

Native vegetation. — Most of this soil was originally treeless 
and covered chiefly with prairie grass, however, there was a 
scattered tree growth about the margins of the prairie in a num- 
ber of places. This consisted of red, black, and white oak and 
some white pine. 

Present agricultural developme7it. — Practically all of this 
soil is improved and under cultivation. Dairying is the lead- 
ing industry followed with potato growing as an important 
branch of farming. The soil is easy to work and can be culti- 
vated under a wide range of moisture conditions. It is one of 
the best corn soils in this county. Good yields of all common 
farm crops are produced, although the chief crops are corn, po- 
tatoes, rye and hay. The farms and buildings have a prosper- 
ous and well kept appearance, and the price of this kind of 
land is as high as of any land in the county. 

"While this soil is acid and needs lime, it can be readily im- 
proved. For a discussion of the chemical composition and man- 
agement of "Waukesha sandy loam see page 44. 

BOONE SANDY LOAM 

The Boone sandy loam covers only about 3 square miles and is 
confined to the country west and southwest of Stevens Point 
on the west side of the Wisconsin Eiver, chiefly in Linwood 
Township. 

The surface soil to a depth of 8 to 12 inches is a brown sandy 
loam underlain to about 20 to 24 inches by a light-textured, yel- 
lowish-brown sandy loam. The subsoil from 20 to 24 inches to 
over 36 inches is a yellow sand except where the Potsdam sand- 
stone is reached, as is the case in a few instances. Slabs and 
fragments of this parent rock occur on the surface and through 
the soil profile, though usually not in great numbers. 

This type varies from undulating to gently rolling. The 
surface drainage is fairly good, but the underlying sandstone 



44 SOIL ^SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 

rock frequently comes to within 2 or 3 feet of the surface and 
this sometimes produces rather imperfect underdrainage. The 
overlying soil has the ability to absorb a large amount of water, 
but the sandstone is less pervious and the water will follow this 
rock stratum with a resultant springy condition over areas 
where the surface material is shallow or on slopes where the hori- 
zontal rock strata come close to the surface. In such localities 
the. surface soil is usually somewhat darker than typical and 
the subsoil mottled more or less with drab, yellow and rusty 
brown. 

The methods of farming and the crops grown on this type are 
practically the same as those for the Plainfield sandy loam. 
The Boone sandy loam, however, has a lower agricultural value. 

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND FERTILITY OF MEDIUM SANDY SOILS 

These soils have intermediate texture and hence have moder- 
ate water-holding capacity. They are not fine enough to be 
especially well adapted to grasses for pasture, though a faJir 
quality of pasturage can be secured on the heavier phases of 
these soils. The more deeply rooted crops, such as clover, rye, 
corn, and potatoes, find sufficient moisture during average sea- 
sons and suffer from drought only during periods of relatively 
low rainfall. 

In chemical composition these soils are also of an intermedi- 
ate character. The total phosphorus averages from 850 to 900 
pounds in the surface 8 inches per acre. The total 
potassium of the surface 8 inches per acre is 25,000 to 30,000 
pounds or but little over one-half of that found in heavier 
soils such as the Kennan silt loam. The organic matter of these 
soils is also comparatively low, averaging from 2.5 to 3.0 per 
cent in the surface 8 inches and from 1 to 2 per cent in the sec- 
ond 8 inches. They have a eorrespondinglj^ low nitrogen con- 
tent, averaging from a thousand to 1,500 pounds in the surface 
8 inches and from 500 to 800 pounds in the second 8 inches. 
As indicated by its dark color, the Waukesha sandy loam con- 
tains somewhat more nitrogen than the other types of the 
group, but this frequently quite resistant and not readily 
available. 

The most important point in the management of all these 
soils is to follow methods which will maintain and increase the 



GROUP OF MEDIUM SANDY SOILS. 45 

organic matter. In the viirgin condition these soils are but 
slightly acid as a rale, but with continued cropping the acid- 
ity increases and for the best growth of clover and especially 
alfalfa liming is essential. This use of lime not only makes the 
soil more suitable for the growth of alfalfa and clover but as- 
sists in preventing the leaching of phosphorus and maintaining 
it in a form which is available for growing crops. 

The management of these soils to maintain the fertility will 
depend to a considerable extent on the crops grown and on 
whether or not stock is maintained to which the produce of the 
farm is fed. When dairying or other live stock farming is 
practiced it will be less difficult to maintain the supply of the 
essential elements of plant food — phosphorus, potassium, and 
nitrogen. But even when stock is maintained it is very, prob- 
able tTiat the moderate use of some form of phosphorus fertil- 
izers will be found profitable, and some means for increasing 
the organic matter in addition to the use of stable manure should 
be made use of as far as practicable. The growth of a crop of 
soy beans or clover, occasionally, to be plowed under as a green 
manuring crop, will be found very profitable in its effect on the 
succeeding crop of corn or grain. 

When these soils are used for the growing of potatoes or other 
special crops to a considerable extent the use of commercial fer- 
tilizers containing phosphorus and potassium will be found nec- 
essary to maintain the soil productivity. Clover or some other 
legume must be grown regularly in the rotation to maintain the 
nitrogen and organic matter, and part or all of this should be 
plowed under. It is often desirable to use the commercial fer- 
tilizers containing phosphorus and potassium in order to secure 
a good growth of this clover and there is little loss in so doing, 
since essentially all of the phosphorus and potassium applied 
to the soil for the clover becomes available to the succeeding 
crop through the decomposiition of the organic matter. 

The liming and also the inoculation of the soil is of the ut- 
most importance when alfalfa is to be grown and will be found 
helpful on the older fields even for the growth of medium red 
or mammoth clover. 

While the use of commercial fertilizers containing phosphor- 
us and potassium is desirable in the management of these soils 
it must not be considered that this is an indication that they 



46 SOIL SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 

have less value, than heavier soils which are relatively higher 
in these elements, for the growth of potatoes and other special 
crops. The fact that these soils become dry and warm early 
in the season makes them less subject to local frosts and the 
finer tilth which these sandy loams develop fit them especially 
well for the growth of potatoes and some other root crops, since 
they are practically free from checking and cracking. The cost 
of these fertilizers is a comparatively small part of the total 
cost of growing these crops. This group of soils is well adapted 
to the commercial growling of potatoes, and whenever possible 
the sandy loams should be seleted for this crop in preference to 
sand types. A good rotation for these sandy loam soils con- 
sists of small grain, clover and potatoes. For further sugges- 
tions on the management of these soils and for information re- 
garding source and use of fertilizers consult Bulletins 204 and 
230 of the Experiment Station. 



GROUP OF SAND SOILS. 47 



CHAPTER V 
GROUP OF SAND SOILS 

PLAINFIELD SAND 

Extent and distribution. — The Plainfield sand is one of the 
most extensive soil types in Portage Comity. The greater pro- 
portion is found in the central and southwestern portions of 
the county in the vicinity of and to the south of Bancroft, south 
of Plover, and about Arnott. One large tract is confined to 
the valley of the Wisconsin River, chiefly between the river and 
the Buena Vista marsh. Small patches are also scattered 
throughout the eastern portion of the county. 

Description.— The surface soil of this type to an average 
depth of 10 inches consists of a brown or grayish-brown sand. 
The subsoil is a yellowish-brown sand which becomes coarser, 
lighter in color, and more gravelly with increased depth. Be- 
low about 24 inches the sand and gravel is very distinctly strati- 
fied and has a marked yellow tinge. 

The soil as a whole is quite uniform, but a few slight varia- 
tions occur. In small depressions there is more organic mat- 
ter than usual, and this gives the material a slightly loamy ap- 
pearance. In the southwestern part of the county there is a 
large proportion of quartz grains in the sand, while in the cen- 
tral part of the county the feldspathic materials from granitic 
rocks are more abundant. 

The line drawn between this type and the Plainfield sandy 
loam is somewhat arbitrary. Usually as the sandy loam is ap- 
proached the surface soil becomes sonieAvhat more loamy, and in 
small slightly depressed areas there is a sticky layer in the sub- 
soil at a depth of 20 to 24 inches. Small areas differing little 
in topography from the remainder of the type and situated well 
within its general development are frequently somewhat darker 
in the surface soil than typical. 



48 SOIL SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 

Topography and drainage. — The surface of this soil is level 
or very slightly undulating. Because of the loose character of 
both the soil and subsoil the drainage is excessive except in places 
where the water table comes close to the surface or alone- the 
border of marshes. Crops suffer from lack of water over most 
of the type unless the rainfall is heavy and very regularly dis- 
tributed. 

Origin. — The Plainfield sand is of alluvial origin and has 
been formed by the water of the Wisconsin Eiver or deposited 
as outwash plains by the streams of glacial times. Being as- 
sorted by running water, the finer soil grains were carried 
away, leaving the coarser sand grains deposited in horizontal 
layers. The parent material came both from sandstone and 
granitic rock formations. All of the soil is acid. 

Native Vegetation. — The original timber growth consisted of 
scrub oak, red oak, some white oak. Jack pine, some white pine 
and sweet fern. The Jack pine was the most common. 

Present agricultural development. — Most of this land has 
been cleared and placed under cultivation. This is due, no 
doubt, to the ease with which it can be cleared rather than to the 
fertility and productive qualities of the soil. Abandoned farms 
are not unusual, especially in the valley of the Wisconsin River, 
and fields sometimes remain idle for several seasons at a time. 
The chief crops gro\^ai at present are potatoes, corn, rye, oats 
and some hay. Soy beans have been grown both for forage and 
for seed with good results, though not on an extensive scale. 
Where difficulty has been experienced with clover, soy beans 
have been grown instead. Both are legumes, and the soy bean 
seems to be adapted to the conditions prevailing on the Plain- 
field sand. Potatoes and rye are the chief cash crops, the other 
crops being grown mainly to feed the dairy cow. The yields of 
all crops are considerably less than the yields produced on the 
.heavier soils of the county. The difficulty in maintaining good 
pasture and in growing sufficient hay for feed prevent the de- 
velopment of the dairy industry to such proportions as on the 
heavy soils. • 

While potatoes are grown quite extensively, the Plainfield 
sand is not as well adapted to this crop as are the sandy loam 
soils. Com will show greater increase in yields as this soil is 
improved than will potatoes, and corn should therefore be 
gro^vn more extensively than potatoes. 



GROUP OF 8 AND 80IL8. 49 

Plainfield sand is deficient in the plant food elements and 
its successful cultivation requires special care. A more com- 
plete discussion of the chemical composition and management 
of this type will he found on page 54. 

COLOMA SAND 

Extent and distribtiMon. — The Coloma sand is confined to 
the eastern half of the county where it is associated with other 
types of the Coloma series. It occurs in numerous small tracts 
instead of extensive, continuous areas. This type covers a total 
area of about 118 square miles. 

Description. — The surface soil of this type to a depth of 6 to 
10 inches consists of a brown or grajdsh, rather loose sand of 
medium texture, which in local areas approaches a fine sand. 
Over some areas of virgin soil the surface 1 or 2 inches is some- 
what darker than usual owing to a small accumulation of or- 
ganic matter which usually disappears after being cultivated 
for a few years. 

The subsoil consists of a yellowish-brown or light brown sand 
of medium texture which usually becomes lighter in color and 
coarser in texture with increasing depth. A small amount of 
gravel may be found in the surface portion of the type, but 
such material occurs with greater prominence below a depth of 
24 inches. 

The number of stones and bowlders present is variable and in 
some localities they are sufficiently numerous to justify a sep- 
aration on this basis. Wherever the stones and bowlders were 
found to be sufficiently abundant to interfere with agricultural 
operations such areas were indicated separately on the soil map 
by appropriate symbols. Where this stony, bowldery condi- 
tion prevails, there is often more variation in the texture of the 
soil material than over the typical portion of the type. The 
surface over limited areas may be a sandy loam, and in the sub- 
soil a compact sandy loam stratum about 6 inches in thickness 
may occur at a depth of 18 to 24 inches. Such variations, how- 
ever, were only very small and could not be shown separately. 

Topography and drainage. — The surface of the typical soil 
varies from undulating to gently rolling. There has been in- 
cluded some rather steep slopes where there is a drop from one 
terrace to another. While this class of land is not typical for 

4— G. s. 



50 SOIL SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 

Coloma sand it has been included because of its limited extent 
and because it has about the same agricultural value. The por- 
tion of the type indicated as covered with stones and bowlders 
is rougher than the typical and includes the roughest land in 
the county. The surface varies from rolling to hilly and broken 
with only a few small tracts that are of the same topography as 
the typical soil. • ' 

Because of the loose open character of the material and the 
surface features, the natural drainage is excessive and the soil 
is droughty. Highest yields are received during years of most 
' abundant rainfall. 

Origin. — Coloma sand is a glacial soil derived largely from 
sandstone but in part from granitic rocks, by the action of the 
ice sheets. The sand grains consist chiefly of particles of quartz 
with a mixture of varying amounts of material from dark col- 
ored rocks. The stones on this soil are not of sandstone but 
have been brought in from the north by the glaciers. Practi- 
cally all of the soil material is acid. 

Native vegetation. — The original timber growth was very 
thin and of poor growth, consisting of Jack pine and scrub oak. 

Present agricultural development. — Probably the greater pro- 
portion of the typical soil is cleared and under cultivation, but 
most of the stony part is still in timber and used for pasture. 
Land of this type is of a lower value than most of the other 
classes of land in the county due to its sandy nature and low 
fertility. 

The type of agriculture most extensively followed consists of 
general farming with potato growing given most prominence. 
Dairying is practiced to a smaller extent than on the heavier 
soils of the area. The chief crops grown and average yields 
obtained are potatoes 75-125 bushels per acre, rye 8-15 bushels, 
oats 15-25 bushels, corn 15-30 bushels, hay i/^ to 1 ton and buck- 
wheat 12-18 bushels. Much depends upon the amount and dis- 
tribution of rainfall, the manure applied or legumes plowed 
under. The type is easily run down by continuous or improper 
cropping. The soil is easy to cultivate but the methods which 
are followed are usually not those best suited to building up the 
fertility. 

The yields of corn can be more readily increased on this soil 
than can the yields of potatoes, and for this reason more corn 



GROUP OF SAND SOILS. 51 

and less potatoes should be grown. Potatoes are better adapted 
to the sandy loam soils. 

For a full discussion of the chemical composition and man- 
agement of this soil see page 54. 

Coloma sand — shallow pJiase. — This phase covers a total area 
of only 5,440 acres and is confined to the northwestern part of 
the county in Townships 24 and 25 N., Ranges 6, 7 and 8 E. 
It occurs as patches, knolls and stripes of upland, often bor- 
dering streams or lying in the vicinity of marshes. The larg- 
est single area is on elevated, undulating to rolling bluffs or 
knolls in the vicinity of the Wiisconsin River to the east and 
northeast of Junction City. 

The shallow phase is quite similar to the typical soil in the 
surface and upper subsoil. In the lower subsoil, however, coarse 
angular rock fragments occur in places and frequently there is 
sufficient clay to make the material slightly sticky when wet. 
This deep subsoil is also varied in color and often rests upon 
granitic rocks at depth of about 3 feet, while the typical soil 
usually extends to a much greater depth. 

■ On areas of this type along Miill Creek in T. 24, R. 6 E., occa- 
sional granitic bowlders may be found lying on low knolls or 
slopes of deep sandy soil. On the large area 3 miles north of 
Junction City and the areas east and northeast of Junction City 
in the vicinity of the Wisconsin River the soil is thickly covered 
in places with angular blocks and fragments of granitic rocks. 
In Section 9, T. 24, R 7, E., these fragments and blocks also oc- 
cur in the subsoil and grade into the underlying rock. In some 
instances a few rounded granitic bowlders are found, especially 
on areas near the Wisconsin River. 

In topography and drainage conditions the phase corresponds 
closely with the typical soil. 

In origin the lower subsoil is largely resiidual while the sur- 
face may be partly residual and partly glacial from material 
deposited by one of the early ice sheets. 

In agricultural value, present crop yields and systems of 
farming followed there, is practically no difference between 
the shallow phase and the typical soil. 



52 SOIL SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 



WAUKESHA SAND 

Extent and distribution.— ^^vik^sha. sand is an important 
tj^pe from the standpoint of the area which it covers. It is con- 
fined largely to the valleys of the "Wisconsin and Plover Rivers. 
The largest body begins at Plover and extends north about 15 
miles up the Plover River. Along the Wisconsin River it oc- 
curs mostl}' on the east side. It covers a total area of about 34 
square miles. 

Description. — The surface soil of this type to an average 
depth of 6 to 8 inches consists of a dark brown or dark gray 
sand or loamy sand which appears nearly black when moist. The 
content of organic matter is greater than in the Plainfield sands 
with which it is associated. 

The subsoil begins as a broivn or light brown, loose, open sand 
which becomes lighter in color and somewhat coarser in texture 
with increasing depth. A limited but variable percentage of 
small rounded gravel is commonly found in the subsoil at and 
below a depth of 20 to 30 inches. The deep subsoil is strati- 
fied, thin beds of fine and medium sand alternating with coarser 
textured material. Both soil and subsoil show varying degrees 
of acidity. The surface is stone free. 

While the type as a whole is quite uniform, there are a few 
minor variations worthy of note. In Section 5, T. 24, R. 8 E., 
the surface soil is somewhat coarser than typical and contains 
a small amount of angular gravel. West of Jordan the sur- 
face is slightly undulating and the soil is variable in color with- 
in short distances. The irregularities of the surface appear to 
be due to wind action and the higher places are usually lighter 
colored in the surface soil than the depressions. 

Topograpliy and drainage. — The surface of this soil type is 
for the most part level with only a few knolls which have been 
caused by the wind. Because of the loose, sandy nature of the 
soil, crops suffer from lack of moisture during some part of 
every season. 

Origin. — This soil has been formed by water action and con- 
sists of stream terraces, outwash plains, or filled in valleys. 
The characteristic feature and the one which distinguishes this 
from the Plainfield sand is the dark surface soil and the result- 
ing higher content of organic matter. 



GROUP OF SAND SOILS. 53 

Native vegetation. — A portion of this soil was originally with- 
out trees and is spoken of as prairie. The growth and decay of 
grasses gave the soil its dark color. Over smaller tracts and on 
the border of the larger areas, white pine was found. All of 
this has been cut, and the land now has the appearance of a 
sandy prairie. 

Present agricultural development. — While this soil is not as 
exten'sive as some other types in the county, it is especially well 
located and for this reason is of greater importance agricultur- 
ally than if distinctly removed from cities or transportation fa- 
cilities. The greater proportion of this soil has been cleared 
and placed under cultivation, but because of low yields, fields 
are frequently abandoned or allowed to remain idle for several 
years at a time. 

The chief crops groAvn are potatoes, corn, rye, oats, buck- 
wheat and hay. General farming is the leading type of agri- 
culture followed, but dairying and hog raising are not nearly 
as extensively developed as in regions of heavier soils in this 
and adjoining counties. 

Average yields of all general farm crops grown are small. 
During seasons of abundant or well distributed rainfall, fair to 
good yields may be secured. Near Stevens Point some trucking 
is carried on and where the soil is given the best of manage- 
ment profitable returns are secured. The soil does not wear 
well, however, and frequent fertilization is necessary in order 
that pofitable yields may be ^secured from year to year. 

Because of its loose open structure, this soil is easy to culti- 
vate. Difficulty is experienced in getting clover started, chiefly 
because the soil is acid and partly because of its low fertility 
and droughty condition. Practically the only fertilizer used is 
stable manure, some of which is secured in Stevens Point. But 
little stock is kept on the average sand farm. 

While potatoes are doubtless the most important crop grown 
at present, this soil is not especially well adapted to potatoes. 
It has been found by test that the yields of corn can be much 
more readily increased on this kind of soil than can the yields 
of potatoes. The acreage of corn could well be extended and 
silage used for summer feeding of stock. This would permit a 
reduction of the acreage devoted to pasture, which would be 
desirable, since such soil does not produce good pasture. 



54 SOIL SURVEY OF POUT AGE COUNTY. 



CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND FERTILITY OP SAND SOILS 

In some respects sandy soils have advantages over heavier 
soils. They become drier and therefore warmer and can be 
worked earlier in the spring and more quickly after rains than 
heavier soils. These advantages are particularly important in 
regions of short growing periods. But when the soil is too sandy 
it does not hold sufficient water from one rainfall to another 
to satisfy the needs of the growing crops and they therefore 
suffer from drought. Moreover, some sandy soils are lower in 
their sup.ply of the chemical elements demanded by crops than 
heaver soils. When these two factors become too low they lim- 
it the profitable farming of these soils. In the mapping of the 
Soil Survey those soils which are classed as fine sands or sandy 
loams have fairly good water-holding capacity, and when their 
fertility is properly maintained their good qualities in regard 
to warmth and earliness can be taken advantage of and they can 
be farmed \^4th profit. But soils which are classified as sands, 
such as the Coloma and Plainfield sands, are so coarse as a rule 
that they do not have sufficient water-holding capacity and their 
use for the growth of staple crops is ordinarily unprofitable, un- 
less unusual skill is used in their management. It must be kept 
distinctly in mind, however, that all types as mapped show 
some variation in texture or fineness of grain. The chief fac- 
tor limiting their agricultural use is that of water-holding ca- 
pacity. This depends chiefly on the texture or fineness of grain 
and cannot be affected by any treatment it is practicable to 
give them. The water-holding capacity can be somewhat in- 
creased by increasing the amount of organic matter, but this is 
a comparatively slow process and the amount of organic mat- 
ter it is practicable to develop and maintain in these soils will 
increase their water-holding capacity only to a limited extent. 

The total content of the essential elements of plant food in 
these soils is moderate. The total phosphorus in the surface 8 
inches per acre averages between 750 and 900 pounds and in 
the second 8 inches between 600 and 700 pounds. The total po- 
tassium i nthe surface 8 inches per acre is 25,000 to 30,000 
pounds in comparison with 50,000 or 55,000 pounds in the silt 
loam soils of that region. The total nitrogen content is between 
1,200 and 1,400 pounds in the surface 8 inches per acre. The 



GROUP OF SANU i^OILS. 55 

Waukesha sand, as its dark color indicates, contains slightly 
more nitrogen than the other soils in this group. 

When a sufficient supply of active organic matter is devel- 
oped in these soils a considerable portion of the phosphorus and 
potassium will undoubtedly be made available, but the use of 
fertilizers containing these elements in a more readily available 
form is desirable whenever these soils are farmed. 

The starting point in the improvement of these soils is the 
development of active organic matter through the growth of 
legumes which are able to secure their nitrogen supply from the 
atmosphere. But before legumes can be grown with the great- 
est success the liming of the soil is necessary. The growth of 
a good crop of mammoth clover or soybeans through the use of 
lime and mineral fertilizers coitaining phosphorus and potas- 
sium is the best means of supplying this nitrogen and organic 
matter. In most cases this legume should be plowed under as 
a green manuring crop. 

Probably the best way to get clover started is to seed with a 
small grain. By using a light seeding of rye, disked or har- 
rowed in and seeded to clover in the spring, a good stand can 
usually be secured. The seed should be put in a little deeper 
than on heavy soils, and the dr^ill should be followed by a cor- 
rugated roller, or if this implement is not at hand, and ordin- 
ary roller, followed by a light harrow should be used. Wheii 
clover is seeded with a small grain in this way the growing 
grain helps to hold the soil in place and prevent blowing of the 
loose soil by the wind. 

As the result of careful experiments on extremely sandy soils 
it appears that the best crop rotation for this class of land con- 
sists of rye, clover, and corn. If the fertility is extremely low, 
it will be advisable to plow under the entire clover crop. If 
the fertility is fair the first crop may be cut for hay and the 
second plowed under. While potatoes are quite extensively 
grown on these extremely sandy soils this crop is not as well 
adapted to the sand soils as to sandy loam types. It has been 
shown by actual field tests that the yields of corn, for example, 
can be more readily increased on the sand soil than can the yield 
of potatoes. The potato when grown on sand soil does not re- 
spond to methods of soil improvement as readily as when groAvn 
on soils which contain somewhat more silt and clay. The sandy 



56 SOIL SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 

loams and fine sands and fine sandy loams ^re much better 
adapted to potato culture than are the sand soils. It is there- 
fore advisable to reduce, where possible, the acreage of potatoes 
on sand soils. 

With an increased acreage of corn it will be poss'ible to put 
up enough silage so silage may be- used for summer feeding. 
With this practice less pasture will be required, and this again 
will be desirable since the sand soils do not supply good graz- 
ing, and are not well adapted to any of the grasses. This sys- 
tem would make possible keeping more stock, and with the in- 
creased supply of manure the fertility of the land could be more 
readily maintained. 



GROUP OF POORLY DRAINED SOILS. 57 



CHAPTER VI. 
GROUP OF POORLY DRAINED SOILS. 

PEAT 

Extent and distribution. — From the standpoint of area cov- 
ered, Peat is the most extensive soil type of the county. By 
far the largest tract is found in the southwestern portion of the 
county. This, is known as the Buena Vista Marsh and covers a 
total area of over two townships. Another extensive marsh 
area is found in the northwestern part of the county, chiefly in 
Eau PlaineTownship, and is a part of the Dancy Drainage Dis- 
trict. This marsh extends for over 10 miles along Little Eau 
Plaine River, but only a small proportion of it is within the 
area surveyed. A considerable proportion of this marsh con- 
sists of peat. Another peat marsh is found immediately east 
from Jordan, and extending north from Stockton for over 6 
miles. It has a width of about one mile. Numerous other 
small peat marshes occur through the northern and eastern por- 
tions of the survey. 

Description. — The material mapped as Peat consists of de- 
caying vegetable matter in varying stages of decomposition with 
which there has been incorporated a small amount of mineral 
matter. When raw and fibrous, and only slightly decomposed, 
the Peat has a brown color, but when more completely decayed 
it becomes darker and is sometimes black. It is light in weight 
as compared with other soils, and is loose and rather spongy. 
The surface material is often of a lighter brown color than that 
found at a depth of 2 feet or over. This is usually true of the 
timbered marshes in the region of glacial soils. In some in- 
stances the more thoroughly decomposed material occurs at the 
surface and raw fibrous peat is found at lower depths. This 
appears to be the case most frequently where marshes were or- 
iginally treeless. 



58 SOIL SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 

The material mapped as Peat ranges in depth from 18 inches 
to over three feet. Where less than 18 inches it has been classed 
as shallow peat and mapped separately. Probably about 1/3 of 
the deep peat has a depth of over 3 feet. In some instances the 
peat is known to be over 10 feet in depth. The material found 
beneath the peat usually consists of gray or nearly white sand 
of medium texture. In the northwestern part of the county 
where some of the upland soils are heavy, the underlying ma- 
terial is sometimes a clay loam or sandy clay. This is also true 
of some of the marshes in the eastern half of the county, espe- 
cially in the northeastern section, where some of the marshes are 
surrounded by heavy soils. Where the marshes are surrounded 
by sandy soils the peat is usually underlain by sand, and where 
the upland bordering the marsh is heavy the material under the 
marsh is usually heavy also. 

Topography and drainage. — The surface of all Peat areas is 
low, level, w.ater soaked, and naturally very poorly drained and 
before farming the Peat must be reclaimed by some drainage 
system. A large proportion is included within drainage dis- 
tricts and has been drained more or less thoroughly by large 
open ditches which in some cases have been supplemented by 
tile drains. 

Probably the most important factor determining the value of 
marsh land will be the crops which can be grown on it. This 
depends on two factors, first the degree of drainage, and sec- 
ond the danger from frost. When only the main outlet and 
lateral ditches have been installed, in the great majority of 
cases, hay crops are the only ones which can be safely grown, 
and the character of the hay will also depend a good deal on 
the character of the drainage. In the case of peat land under- 
laid by sand, the drainage by well constructed and sufficiently 
deep ditches 40 to 80 rods apart will, in most cases, give ade- 
quate drainage for hay. When the peat soil is underlaid by 
silt or clay, however, ditches not more than 20 rods apart will 
be necessary and these must lower the water in the ditch to a 
point four to five feet below the surface during part of the grow- 
ing period. When tilled crops, such as corn, cabbage, or pota- 
toes, or small grains are to be grown, the drainage must be more 
certain, and over the greater portion of our marsh lands this 
will mean the installation of dainage systems in the form of 



GROUP OF POORLY DRAINED SOILS. 59 

either open lateral ditches or of tile not more than ten and of- 
ten not more than five rods apart on the average. Tile drain- 
age is the more satisfactory. The cost of tile drainage will 
vary from twenty to thirty dollars per acre after the main out- 
lets have been put in. 

Frosts on marsh land. — It is well known that frosts fre- 
quently occur on marsh land where there is no frost on higher 
land. This is partly because the cold air which forms on the 
surface of all the ground at night tends to flow down and col- 
lect in low places, but it is also the result of the fact that the 
loose, spongy soil of peat marshes does not conduct the heat re- 
ceived from the sun during the day downward. In consequence 
of this, the lower layers of soil do not become warmed in peat 
marshes as they do in other earthy soils and the little heat left 
in the surface inch or two of soil is rapidly lost at night by ra- 
diation, so that the freezing point is frequently reached on such 
soil when it would not be on more earthy soils such as sandy 
loam or clay loam which would conduct the heat downward bet- 
ter during the day and so keep warm farther into the night. 

This difficulty with peat marshes can be overcome to a cer- 
tain extent by heavy rolling which, by compacting the soil, per- 
mits the heat to be conducted downward more readily. It will 
also to a certain extent become less in time, as the peat decom- 
poses and takes on more of the character of muck. Neverthe- 
less, it must always be expected that marsh land will be more 
subject to late Spring frosts and early Fall frosts than high 
land. It may be stated as a general guide, that the occurrence 
of killing frosts is as liable on marsh land at any given point as 
it is on upland soil having good air drainage about 150 miles 
farther north; in other words, the marshes of Dane County are 
as liable to have a frost which will kill corn as early as are the 
upland regions of Shawano, Marathon, or Clark Counties. The 
marsh land regions of Portage County are liable to have frost 
two weeks or more earlier than the hill tops of the same latitude. 
This means that corn and potatoes, while safe crops for 
the upland region, are not safe .crops for the marsh land and 
should not be depended on as the chief crops. 

Native vegetation. — The original vegetation on the Peat 
marshes consisted chiefly of coarse marsh grasses, sedges and 
sphagnum moss on the open marshes, with willow, alder, some 
poplar and tamarack on the timbered tracts. 



go SOIL SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 

Present agricultural development.- — By far the most exten- 
sive farming operations on marsh land in this county are carried 
on in the Buena Vista Drainage District, in the southwestern 
portion of the area. Approximately one-half of this marsh con- 
sists of peat, and a considerable proportion of this has been 
placed under cultivation. Many substantial farm buildings 
have been constinicted here, and farming is carried on with 
varying degrees of success. 

The chief crops grown at present are corn, oats, rye, millet, 
buckwheat, timothy and alsike clover, potatoes and various root 
crops. Where proper methods of fertilization and cultivation 
are followed and where the drainage is sufficient, the yields are 
equal to those obtained on good upland soil. In many eases, 
however, the necessity of using fertilizers has not been realized, 
and the cultural requirements have not been fully met by most 
of the farmers. For these reasons, and owing to the fact that 
in some places the drainage has not been sufficient, crop yields 
have often been low, and some farmers have become discouraged. 
Where the drainage is not sul^cient for growing cultivated 
crops, some marsh hay is frequently cut. 

In the Daney Drainage District some development has taken 
place on peat land also, but only a very small proportion of 
this district has been improved. Drainage projects are being 
considered for other peat marshes in the county, and in some 
6ases small tracts are being reclaimed by individual effort. 

Peat, shallow pliase. — Shallow Peat is not nearly as exten- 
sive as is the deep peat. The largest tract is in the southwest- 
ern part of the county in the Buena Vista marsh where it is 
closely associated "with the deep peat. It usually occurs as a 
gradation from deep peat on one hand to the black, wet Dunning 
soils on the other, and the variations in the tj^pe will range be- 
tween these two conditions. Besides that which is found in the 
Buena Vista marsh, other areas are found in the northwestern 
part of the county, but these are small in extent. 

The material mapped under this name consists of brown to 
black vegetable matter in varying stages of decomposition, with 
which there is incorporated varying amounts of mineral mat- 
ter. The type includes those areas of peat where the depth of 
the accumulation will average about 18 inches though it varies 
from about 10 or 12 inches to as deep as 22 or 24 inches in a 



GKOUP OF POORLY DRAINED HOILH. 61 

few instances over small areas. The peat usually rests upon a 
gray to white sand of medium to fine texture, though in a few 
instances a clay loam or sandy clay was found. This heavy ma- 
tei4al usually occurs in the northwestern part of the county 
where there is considerable heavy soil in the uplands adjoining 
the marshes. 

Little development has taken place on the shallow peat out- 
side of that of the Buena Vista marsh where the peat has been 
drained and improved along with the deep peat. 

CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND FERTILITY OF PEAT 

The chief difference between peat soils and upland soils con- 
sisting largely of earthy matter, is that tliey Have relatively 
small amounts of the mineral elements phosphorus, potassium, 
calcium, and magnesium, and have extremely high amounts of 
nitrogen in the organic matter. The average per cent of phos- 
phorus in the peats of this region so far analyzed is 0.135 per 
cent. This means that in an acre of soil to a depth of a foot 
there is approximately only 675 pounds, or in two feet 1,350 
pounds in comparison with upland soils which have approxi- 
mately twice these amounts. Moreover, the acid condition of 
these soils renders the phosphorus less available than in non- 
acid soil. 

The deficiency of potassium in these soils is greater than that 
of phosphorus. They contain on the average 0.3 per cent of this 
element, while good upland clay loam soils average two per 
cent, or over six times as much expressed in percentage. "When 
the greater weight of the upland soils is taken into account it 
will be found that they contain in the upper two feet 120,000 
pounds per acre, while the peat soils contain but 3,000 poun"ds. 

A large amount of organic matter in these soils gives them an 
extraordinary amount of nitrogen. They average 2.5 per cent 
of this element, while the upland silt loam soils of this region 
contain but about 0.12 per cent and this only in the surface 
eight inches — the amount in deeper layers being much less. 

As a result of this difference in the chemical composition the 
peat soils are very unbalanced. Their rational treatment re- 
quires the use of fertilizers containing especially the elements 
phosphorus and potassium. These elements are contained in 
relatively small amounts in barnyard manure and good appli- 



62 SOIL SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 

cations of manure will secure good yields of crops on peat soils, 
but manure contains large amounts of nitrogen not needed by 
the peat, so that when a farm includes upland soils as well as 
peat, the manure should be used on the upland soils and com- 
mercial fertilizers containing phosphorus and potassium used 
on the peat land. 

On the deeper peats which are in a very raw and acid condi- 
tion the use of lime in some form in addition to the commercial 
fertilizers will be found profitable. Occasionally a marsh is 
found on which on account of coldness and high acidity at first 
nitrification or the chemical change by which the nitrogen in 
the organic matter becomes available to crops does not take 
place readily and the use of a light application of composted 
stable manure to inoculate the soil with the proper organisms 
is very helpful. 

Crops and system of farynmg on marsh lands. — Since the 
growth of corn and potatoes to which these marsh lands would 
otherwise be well adapted, is limited in this section on account 
of the danger from frost, the best staple crops for this land are 
grasses for hay and pasture, hardy root crops, and rye, and to a 
less extent oats. When properly fertilized and limed, clover, 
alfalfa, and other legumes can also be grown. On fairly well 
drained marsh land not too raw good pasture can also be de- 
veloped. The compacting of the soil resulting from the use of 
this land as pasture is also a great benefit to it. "When peat land 
Is placed under cultivation a heavy roller should be classed 
along with implements necessary to its successful management. 

On account of the crops to which this land is adapted and 
its use as a pasture, marsh lands can be used for dairying or 
stock raising to good advantage. 

Certain special crops, such as cabbage, onions, buckwheat, 
and rape, are well adapted to such lands when well drained and 
fertilized.* 

DUNNING SAND 

Extent ayid distribution. — The Dunning sand is confined 
largely to the southwestern part of the county, where it occurs 
chiefiy as a marsh-border type. It is encountered bordering 



* For more complete discussion of the management of marsh soils see 
bulletin on this subject by the Agricultural Experiment Station. • 



GROUP OF POORLY DRAINED SOILS. 63 

areas of peat, in shallow depressions or basin-like areas in as- 
sociation with the Plainfield soils, and along stream courses 
throughout the region where sandy soils predominate. The 
largest tract occurs several miles west of Coddington. The 
type covers a total area of about 34 square miles. 

Description. — Dunning sand to an average depth of 6 to 12 
inches consists of a dark-gray to almost black sand rather high 
in organic matter. The subsoil to over 36 inches is a dull-gray 
or mottled gray and yellow sand, with more or less fine, well 
worn gravel in the lower part. In a few places the soil is loamy 
in texture. 

The chief variation from typical occurs in the Buena Vista 
Drainage district, in an irregular area which originally con- 
sisted of shallow peat overlying sand. The shallow covering of 
peaty material has been burned off over this area, and the re- 
sultant soil consists of Dunning sand streaked and spotted with 
areas over which the surface soil from 2 to 10 inches consists of 
a gray, yellowish-brown or dark-gray ash mixed with sand. 
Here and there occur remnants of shallow peat which were not 
destroyed by the fire. These usually stand a few inches above 
the level of the surrounding soil. 

Topography and drainage. — The surface of the Dunning sand 
is level and the natural drainage is deficient. Much of the type 
lies within drainage districts, where the drainage conditions 
have been greatly improved by the construction of large open 
ditches. In some places these have been supplemented by tile 
drains. 

Origin. — This type is found mostly within the valley of the 
Wisconsin River and is largely of alluvial origin. As it occurs 
within or bordering marshy districts the moist conditions have 
favored the growth and decay of considerable vegetable mat- 
tre which accounts for the dark color of the soil. No calcare- 
ous material is present and both soil and subsoil are acid. 

Native vegetation. — The original vegetation consisted of wil- 
low, spruce, and poplar, with some jack pine in the higher places 
and coarse marsh grasses in open stretches. 

Present agricultural develop7nent. — Because of its generally 
rather poor drainage this type is not of much agricultural im- 
portance. Only a comparatively small proportion of it is un- 
der cultivation. 



64 SOIL SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 

The chief crops grown on this soil are oats, corn, potatoes and 
hay. Buckwheat, alsike clover, millet, and rye are sometimes 
gro-wTi. This soil is considered to have a low value as it is de- 
ficient in potash and phosphorus and occupies such a low posi- 
tion that it must all be drained by open ditches or tile drains. 
In some cases the outlet ditches already installed do not ap- 
pear to be deep enough to permit thorough drainage. 

DUNNING SANDY LOAM 

Extent and distribution. — The Dunning sandy loam covers a 
total of about 25 square miles, but occurs in rather small scat- 
tered areas, associated chiefly with the Colby, Plainfield, and 
Waukesha soils. The largest single ar'ea is found in the Town 
of Hull and the major portion of the type is confined to the 
northwestern quarter of the county. 

Description. — The surface of the Dunning sandy loam ex- 
tending to an average depth of 10 inches, consists of a dark- 
brown or black sandy loam or heavy sandy loam, high in or- 
ganic matter. The subsoil usually consists of a yellow or gray 
sand, sticky sand or sandy clay loam. It is frequently mottled. 
The lower subsoil is subject to considerable variation, ranging 
from rather heavy sandy loam to beds of quite sandy soil. Thin 
lenses of clay loam may also occur, and gravelly material is 
frequently encountered in the subsoil. 

Topography and drainage. — The surface of this type is level. 
It is low-lying and naturally poorly drained. Open ditches al- 
ready installed provide fair drainage for part of the type, and 
supply outlets into which tile drains may lead, but most of this 
soil is still in an undrained condition. 

Origin. — The type occurs as first bottom lands along stream 
courses, as low land bordering marshes, or as slight depres- 
sions in the uplands or in terraces. As found in this county 
the major portion of it is of alluvial origin. The parent ma- 
terial came in part from crystalline rocks, but probably the ma- 
jor portion was derived from sandstone. There is no calcare- 
ous material present and both soil and subsoil are acid. The 
growth and decay of vegetation accounts for the dark color and 
rather high organic matter content. 

Native vegetation. — The native vegetation consisted mainly of 
alder, poplar, with some red oak and white pine on the better 



GROUP OF POORLY DRAINED SOILS. 65 

drained areas. Coarse marsh grasses also grew upon this soil. 

Present agricultural development. — Because of the rather lim- 
ited extent, small scattered areas, and poor drainage conditions, 
the type is at present of little agricultural importance. Only 
a small proportion of this soil is under the plow. The chief 
crops are hay, small grains, corn and buckwheat. The soil, 
when thoroughly drained, is easily cultivated and may be con- 
sidered a fairly productive soil, upon which satisfactory yields 
can usually be secured under good management when the sea- 
son is not excessively wet. 

This type has a larger supply of the mineral plant food ele- 
ments than are found in peat, and it is a better balanced soil 
than the peat lands. 

WHITMAN SILT LOAM 

Extent and distribution. — This type is confined chiefly to the 
northwestern quarter of the county where the upland soils con- 
sist largely of the Marathon and Colby series. The type also 
occurs to a limited extent where the upland soil is of the Boone 
series, but in such localities the deep subsoil is usually of a 
sandy nature. Where the upland soils consist of the Kennan 
types, small areas of Whitman silt loam may also be found. 
For the most part this type occurs as narrow belts along stream 
courses, and but few of the areas contain more than one-quar- 
ter of a square mile. The type has a total area of about 8 
square miles. 

Description. — The surface soil of this type to an average 
depth of about 12 inches consists of a dark brown or black silt 
loam containing a high percentage of organic ;tnatter. The sub- 
soil consists of a. heavy silt loam or silty clay loam which usu- 
ally extends to a depth of 36 inches or more, and frequently be- 
comes somewhat heavier as the depth increases. The color of 
this subsoil material is usually a dark gray or drab which is 
frequently mottled with brown or yellow or sometimes both. 
In the deep subsoil some fine sandy loam is frequently found, 
and coarser material may occur, giving the subsoil a somewhat 
gritty character. In a few instances beds of fine sand were 
found at a depth of 30 to 36 inches. 

The soil as a whole is rather uniform in its color and in the 
5— G. s. 



66 SOIL SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 

texture of the surface soil, but as indicated the subsoil may be 
subject to considerable variation. 

Topography and drainage. — The surface of this soil is level 
or very gently sloping, and because of its low position and the 
fact that some of it is subject to overflow, the natural drainage 
is poor. 

Origin.— l!:\\e Whitman silt loam has probably been derived 
from several sources. It is partly of residual, partly of allu- 
vial and partly of glacial origin. It occurs as first bottom land 
along streams or in depressions in the upland where there has 
been an accumulation of organic matter due to the wet condi- 
tions existing. 

Native vegetation.-— Th.Q orginal stand of timber consisted of 
elm, ash, alder, and other water-loving trees and grasses. 

Present agricultural development.— Becavise of its limited ex- 
tent and its poorly drained condition, this type is at present of 
very little importance agriculturally. Only a very small part 
is improved and under cultivation. Where there is sufficient 
fall so that drainage can be accomplished, it can be farmed wdth 
profit. The soil is naturally very productive and well adapted 
to all the general farm crops grown in this section. It is well 
supplied with all of the essential plant food elements. 

GENESEE FINE SANDY LOAM 

The surface soil to a depth of 16-18 inches is a broAvn fine 
sandy loam to sandy loam. The 4 to 6 inches of the immediate 
surface are usually darker brown than the underlying portion. 
The subsoil begins abruptly as a yellowish fine sand stratified in 
the lower portion with layers of water worn gravel. This type 
occurs as low terraces along the Wisconsin River usually some- 
what higher than the Genesee silt loam, but subject to periodic 
overflow. The topography is flat to slightly undulating inter- 
rupted frequently by abandoned stream channels or sloughs. 
These sloughs are filled with deep peat or hold water after the 
subsidence of the overfiows. The drainage of the type is good 
between inundations. 

The type is of limited extent and minor importance. Most 
of the type is still timbered to oak, elm, basswood, maple and 
white pine. Where cleared and cultivated the chief crops are 



GENERAL AGRICULTURE OF PORTAGE COUNTY. QJ 

rye, corn, oats, hay and potatoes. Farming on this soil is un- 
certain because of danger of flooding. Reports indicate that 
floods occur every 3-5 years sufficient to destroy all crops with 
less destructive floods more frequently. The small extent of 
this type would not justify the construction of dikes to protect 
the land from flooding. 

GENESEE SILT L0A2*I 

The Genesee silt loam is of very limited extent and is con- 
fined entirely to the valley of the Wisconsin River. 

The surface soil to a depth of 16 to 18 inches consists of a 
dark brown or reddish brown silt loam. A few inches of red- 
dish brown sandy loam may intervene between the surface soil 
and the underlying loose, yellow sand and gravel, but in most 
places the change from heavy soil to sand is abrupt. The sub- 
soil is distinctly stratified. 

The surface is flat to slightly undulating except for abandoned 
stream channels or sloughs. The sloughs are either filled with 
a deposit of peat or else hold water after the subsidence of the 
overflow. The drainage is good except at times of high water 
when the land is flooded. 

This is an alluvial soil and occurs as first bottom land along 
the Wisconsin River, and is subject to overfiow. 

This soil is nearly all timbered with soft maple, elm, ash, 
birch, and some basswood and oak. 

A few spots have been cleared, and such crops as oats, corn, 
hay and potatoes are grown. The danger from flooding makes 
farming uncertain so that the development of this land is not 
encouraging. To prevent flooding, dikes would be necessary, 
and such a great expense would not be justifled under present 
conditions. 



gg SOIL SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 



CHAPTER VII 



GENERAL AGRICULTURE OF PORTAGE COUNTY 

The development of agriculture in this region was preceded 
by the growth of the logging and lumbering industry. The 
earliest settlements, about 1840, were made in the areas of sandy 
land, as the forest growth here was largely pine, which was the 
only timber handled by the early lumbermen. Hardwood at 
that time had but little value, and where early clearings 
were made in hardwood areas the timber was frequently burned. 

The first farms opened after the advance of the lumbermen 
were small, and often large areas of land remained in the cut- 
over stage for a considerable time before being parceled out in 
small tracts. While farming ventures were first begun chiefly 
on the sandier soils, following the cutting of the pine, the high- 
est agricultural development has been reached in those sections 
where the soils are heavier than those immediately along the 
Wisconsin River. Farming has extended to all parts of the 
county, and on the whole it is well improved agriculturally. The 
sections of least development are in the north-central and north- 
eastern parts of the comity and in those regions where marshy 
conditions prevail over large areas. 

While practically all the general-farming crops now grown 
were produced in the early history of the county, the relative 
importance of a number of the crops has changed to a consid- 
erable degree. In 1879 wheat occupied 21,853 acres, more than 
twice the acreage in oats. By 1909 the total area devoted to 
oats had increased to 37,838 acres, while only 397 acres were 
devoted to wheat. The acreage to hay, corn, and rye has stead- 
ily incresed since the early history of the county. The devel- 
opment of the potato-growing industry has been very marked. 
In 1879 there was a total production of 213,570 bushels, while 
in 1909 the crop amounted to slightly over 2,500,000 bushels. 

The agriculture of Portage County at present consists chiefly 



GENERAL AGRICULTURE OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 69 

of general or mixed farming, with dairying and potato growing 
as the two most important branches. The chief crops grown, 
in order of acreage, according to the 1910 census, are hay, oats, 
potatoes, rye, corn, and barley, with buckwheat, wheat, peas, 
and beans as crops of lesser importance. While the dairy in- 
dustry is important it is not as highly developed as in some of 
the adjoining counties where there is a larger proportion of 
heavy soils. 

Practically all of the crops grown may be considered in part 
as cash crops, for hay, corn, oats, rye, and barley are sold to 
some extent directly from the farm. Potatoes are grown main- 
ly for sale, although they are one of the most important sub- 
sistence crops. The greater part of the hay, corn, oats, and 
barley produced is used in feeding live stock, and much of it 
finally reaches the market in the form of dairy products, beef, 
and pork. A considerable quantity of grain and hay is used 
as feed for work stock. 

Hay is grown more extensively than any other crop. The 
1910 census reports 48,286 acres in all hay crops, with a pro- 
duction of 47,982 tons, or nearly 1 ton per acre. About 75 per 
cent of the tame hay grown consists of mixed clover and tim- 
othy. Little clover is grown alone. Minor hay crops are wild 
haj^, small grains, millet, and alfalfa. The best hay crops are 
produced on the hea^^ soils of the Spencer, Gloucester, and 
Merrimac series. As most of the soils are acid, alslke clover is 
sometimes grown in place of red clover. Red clover does well 
on land whose productiveness has been kept up and succeeds 
on new land in spite of the acidity, but on run-down fields it is 
not very successful. 

In 1909 oats were grow^n on 37,838 acres, with a total pro- 
duction of 697,853 bushels. This crop gives best results on the 
fine sandy loams, loams, and silt loams. It is often grown on 
some of the light sandy soils, but with unsatisfactory results. 

Potatoes in 1909 occupied 30,637 acres, giving a total pro- 
duction of 2,508,521 bushels. This crop is grown successfully 
throughout the sandy areas of the county, but best yields are 
obtained where there is sufficient clay in the soil to make it some 
what loamy. Potatoes are grown in all parts of the county and 
to some extent on practically all the soils. 



70 



SOIL SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 



Rye was seeded on 19,858 acres in 1909, and produced 222,333 
bushels. Rye is grown most extensively on the sandy soils, and 
it gives better results on the extremely sandy types than any of 
the other small grains. 

The total area in corn in 1909 was 15,834 acres, and the pro- 
duction amounted to 394,189 bushels. 

Barley is grown to a small extent. In 1909 this crop was 
grown on 1,184 acres, and produced 25,652 bushels. The acre- 
age of barley has apparently increased somewhat during the 
last few years. 

Wheat is grown only to a very small extent, although at one 
time it was the most important crop in the county. Buckwheat 
is grown in various parts of the county, chiefly on the marshy 
tracts where the drainage conditions have been improved. Peas 
and beans are gro"\vn to a limited extent. 

Some trucking is done in the vicinity of Stevens Point. On 
most farms small plots are devoted to cabbage, lettuce, radishes, 
onions, strawberries, brambleberries and other vegetables and 
small-fuit crops for home use. The sandy soils are probably 
better adapted to trucking than to any other line of farming. 

The following table shows the acreage and production of the 
principal crops in the last four census years: 



Croy 


1879 


1889 


1899 


1909 


Corn 


Acres 

12,131 

9,749 

21.853 

10.144 

965 

723 


Bushels 

278.749 

225,614 

204,778 

111,659 

16,544 

3,819 

213,570 

782 

1,210 

Tons 

13,470 


Acres 

14,489 
24,453 

4,342 

15,151 

471 

1,607 
12,094 

29,388 


Bushels 

403,088 

739,527 

54,814 

186.155 

12.779 

19,086 

1,324,761 

7,560 

1,451 

Tons 

30, 203 


Acres 

17,289 

32,878 

6,373 

20,409 

421 

983 

29,099 

417 

4.S 

36,884 


Bushels 

888,100 

734,080 

85,910 

217,780 

7,550 

9,270 

1,978,844 

6,608 

379 

Tons 

43,444 


Acres 

15,834 

37,838 

397 

19,858 

1,184 

496 

30,637 

319 

52 

48,286 


Bushels 
394,189 


Oats 


697 853 


Wheat 


5,376 


Rye 


222,333 


Barley 

Buckwheat 

Potatoes 


25,652 

3,859 

2,508,521 


Peas 




1,799 


Beans 




480 


Hay 


16,346 


Tons 
47,982 





Fruit growing receives little attention in Portage County, 
since a large proportion of its area is not well adapted to this 
industry. Apples are grown more extensively than any other 
fruit. On many of the farms there is a small orchard which 
usually supplies apples for home use and in some j^ears a sur- 
plus to sell. Apples do best over the eastern and northeastern 



GENERAL AGRICULTURE OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 7I 

parts of the county, where the surface is more or less rolling. 
The level tracts of sandy soil are not suited to this fruit. 

The raising of live stock is an important industry. The 1910 
census reports 31,378 head of cattle, 9,255 horses, 13,264 hogs, 
and 5,075 sheep in the county. In 1909 there were 7,954 calves 
sold or slaughtered, 5,415 other cattle, 13,980 hogs, and 2,198 
sheep. Animals sold or slaughtered in that year amounted in 
value to $413,564. Most of the calves and steers sold are from 
dairy herds. Hogs are raised in conjunction with dairying 
and -general farming. Hog raising is not as well developed in 
this county as in sections where more corn is gro\\ai. 

There were 18,783 dairy cows in the county in 1910, and the 
dairy products of the preceding year, exclusive of those used in 
the home, had a value of $606,348. There were 27 creameries 
and 3 cheese factories in the county in 1913. Milk and cream 
are sold at retail in the towns in a small way. Dairy cows of 
Holstein breeding are more numerous than those of any other 
breed. The use of purebred sires is gradually improving the 
stock. 

Differences in the character of the soil in various parts of the 
county have some influence upon the distribution of the crops. 
Oats are grown more extensively on the heavier soils than on 
the sandy types, while potatoes are more profitable on the 
sandy types than many other crops. Rye is grown most ex- 
tensively on the light-textured soils and gives better results on 
this class of land than do the other small grains. The dairy 
industry is most successfully developed on soils which have a 
texture as heavy as or heavier than a fine sandy loam. 

The general methods of farming followed are about the same 
as those practiced throughout the general farming and dairy- 
ing districts of Wisconsin. The silo is in quite common use 
on dairy farms, and a considerable part of the corn crop is 
handled as ensilage. The hay crop is mostly stored in barns or 
stacked and used mainly as feed for stock. In potato growing 
modern machinery is in common use, and where the acreage 
will justify their purchase most farms are supplied with horse- 
drawn planters, diggers, and sprajdng outfits. In all lines of 
farming modern machinery is in common use on most of the 
farms. The farm buildings vary greatly in quality. On the 
extremely sandy soils the buildings are frequently inferior and 



rj2 SOIL SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 

in poor repair, while those on sandy loam and heavier soils are 
much better. The bams are usually equipped with large hay 
forks or slings for use in unloading hay. The work stock and 
implements are not as heavy over most of the county as in many 
other parts of Wisconsin, since most of the soils are sandy and 
easy to cultivate. 

A rotation quite commonly followed on the sandy soils con- 
sists of small grain followed by clover and this by potatoes. 
The second crop of clover in a few cases is plowed under as a 
green-manure crop. On the extremely sandy types it is desir- 
able to arrange the system so that the ground may be covered 
as much of the time as possible to prevent drifting, which often 
causes considerable damage to growing crops. In some cases 
so much of the soil is blown away that the seed is left exposed. 
On the heavier soils 'the usual rotation is somewhat different 
from that on the lighter types. Here corn more frequently 
takes the place of potatoes, and the land is usually left in grass* 
for hay for tAvo years and frequently is pastured for one year 
before ag*ain being plowed. On neither the sandy nor heavy 
types has the question of crop rotations been given careful 
study. 

Stable manure is the fertilizer used most extensively, but 
the supply of this is not sufficient to meet the requirements of 
the soil. Commercial fertilizers are not in common use. They 
are used mainly on the marsh soils, especially in the vicinity of 
Coddington. The peat soil is deficient in potash and phosphor- 
us and is also acid. A large tonnage of wood ashes was re- 
cently applied to peat soils near Coddington at the rate of 
about 1,000 pounds per acre. A considerable amount of rock 
phosphate is used in the county, usually at the rate of about 
1,000 pounds per acre. Acid phosphate is in some instances 
applied by itself or along with the rock phosphate. The use of 
ground limestone for correcting soil acidity is coming to be rec- 
organized as profitable, and a number of farmers both on the 
peot soils and on the uplands have tried liming, with success. 
Trials with mixed commercial fertilizers have been made in sev- 
eral instances, especially on potatoes, with satisfactory results. 

The supp'^y of farm labor is fairly good. In many cases wo- 
men and children assist with the farm work. Where hands are 
hired for the year or by the month the wage usually ranges 



GENERAL AGRICULTURE OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 73 

from $25 to $50 a month, depending upon the experience of the 
laborer. Married men are usually given fuel and the use of a 
house and garden. During haying and harvest periods, when 
extra day help is often needed, the wage is usually $1.50 to 
$2 or more a day. 

The average size of farms in Portage County as given by 
the census of 1910, is 127 acres. In the marshy areas and in 
the least developed parts of the county land is frequently held 
in large tracts. In 1910 there were 3,229 farms in the county, 
comprising 79.1 per cent of its total area. Each farm has on 
an average 68 acres of improved land. Practically 90 per cent 
of the farms are operated by the ow^ners. 

In 1900 the average assessed value of land in the county v/as 
$13.47 an acre. By 1910 this had increased to $27.94 an acre. 
Where general farming is most highly developed, on the 
heavier soils, land values frequently reach $100 an acre. Com- 
paratively few farms have a higher value than this. On the 
extremely sandy soils many partly improved farms can be 
bought for $20 to $40 an acre. On reclaimed marsh land farms 
sell for $30 to $70 an acre, the price depending largely upon 
the improvements, drainage, and location. Cut-over land in 
the undeveloped sections may be bought for $18 to $30 an acre. 
Unimproved marsh land, where no effort has been made toward 
reclamation, is usually of lower value than any other charac- 
ter of land in the county. 



74 SOIL SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 



CHAPTER VIII 
CLIMATE 

Among the factors - which mfluence the agriculture of a state 
none is more important than climate. The class of crops which 
can be grown is largely determined by the length of the grow- 
ing season, and the amount and distribution of the rainfall. 
Any one of these factors may determine the type of farming 
which can be followed to best advantage. 

The distribution of rainfall over Wisconsin is remarkably 
uniform, the average yearly precipitation having a range of 
from 28 to 34 inches, while the mean for the state as a whole is 
31 inches. 

The local distribution of rainfall varies, however, from year 
to year in different sections. The variation is caused largely 
by the movement of cyclonic storms. The average rainfall for 
the entire state during the driest year was 21.4 inches, and for 
the wettest year 37 inches. 

Of equal importance in agriculture to the total rainfall is its 
seasonal distribution, and in this respect Wisconsin is usually 
fortunate, since about half of the total rainfall comes in May, 
June, July and August, and nearly 70 per cent from April to 
September, inclusive. June has the heaviest rainfall, averag- 
ing 4.1 inches, while July averages 4 inches, and May 3.9 inches. 
The average rainfall for the state during winter is 3.9 inches, 
during spring 8.3 inches, during summer 11.4 inches, and dur- 
ing autumn 7.4 inches. The small winter precipitation in Wis- 
consin, mostly in the form of snow, on the other hand, causes 
virtually no leaching of fertility from the soil or erosion. 

The climatic conditions prevailing in Portage County are 
somewhat variable owing to differences in topography and soil. 
In the southwestern part of the area there are extensive marsh 
areas, most of which have been reclaimed. Throughout the 
valley of the Wisconsin River, which traverses the western side 



CLIMATE. 



75 








76 



SOIL SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 



of the county, and also along part of the southern border, there 
are extensive . sandy spots, with marshy tracts frequently in- 
tervening. Throughout the northeastern, east-central and ex- 
treme northwestern parts of Portage county the surface is 
gently rolling to rolling and danger from late spring and early 
fall frosts is not as great as over the lower lying sections of the 
area. 

Two weather bureau stations of long standing are located 
within the area. The station at Stevens Point is near the Wis- 
consin River and records from this place are representative of 
conditions prevailing over the extensive level sandy terraces 
throughout the county. The station at Amherst is situated in 
a more rolling country and represents the upland portion of the 
survey. No records are available from the extensive marsh 
tracts, but is is probable that the marshes have a somewhat 
shorter growing season than the remainder of the county. 

The following table gives the Normal, Monthly, Seasonal and 
Annual Temperature and Precipitation as Recorded at Two 
Stations Within the County. 



Month 


Stevens Point (Elevation 
1 113 ft. 


Amherst (Elevation 1.290 ft.) 


Temperature 


Precipitation 
inches 


Temperature 

v° 


Precipitation 
inches 


December 


19.0 
14.8 
13.9 
15.9 

29,4 
44.6 
56.2 
43.1 

65.5 
69.6 
67.5 
67.5 

60.4 
47.9 
32.7 
47.0 
43.4 
1 


1.26 
1,04 
0.85 
3.05 

1.39 
1.52 
4.00 
8.09 

4.17 

3.40 

2.89 

10.46 

3.34 
2.53 
1.73 
7.59 
29.10 


19.4 
14.1 
14.3 
15.9 

27.9 
43.8 
55.1 
42.2 

64.9 
69.6 
67.3 
66.9 

6.00 
47.7 
31.7 
46.5 
43.0 


0.63 


Januarv 


1.27 


Februai-y 

Winter 


1.28 
3.98 


March 


1.78 


April 


2.61 


Mav 


4.07 


Spring 


8.46 




4.29 


.Tuly 


3.63 


August 


3.22 


Summer 


11.18 


September 


3.25 


October 

November 


2.60 
1.70 


Fall 


7.55 


Year 


31.37 







SUMMARY. 



11 



DATA OF LAST AND FIRST KILLING FROSTS. 




It will be observed from these tables that Stevens Point has 
a mean annual precipitation of 29.1 inches, and Amherst 31.37 
inches. It will also be observed that a large proportion of the 
rainfall comes during the growing months when most needed. 
For the six months from April to September inclusive there is 
an average monthly rainfall of over 2% inches. Although the 
rainfall is normally well distributed there are frequently dry 
spells, especially during July and August, during which crops 
suffer from lack of moisture. 

The winters in this region are long and severe with a snow- 
fall of 41 inches, but the summers are pleasant and farm crops 
make rapid growth. Storms of a destructive nature are very 
rare in this region. There is an abundant supply of excellent 
water, which is readily obtainable for both man and beast. 
The climate is healthful and well' suitable to a very high devel- 
opment of agriculture. 



78 SOIL SURVEY OF PORTAGE COUNTY. 



^ SUMMAIiY 

Portage County is situated in the central part of the State of 
"Wisconsin. It comprises 812 square miles, or 519,680 acres. 
The surface features vary from level to rolling and hilly. The 
average elevation of the county above sea level is about 1,110 
feet. 

The eastern third of the county drains toward the east 
through tributaries of the Little Wolf and Waupaca Rivers in- 
to Lake Michigan, while the remainder of its area drains into 
the Wisconsin Eiver, and thence into the Mississippi. 

Portage County was organized in 1844. The early settlers 
came largely from eastern States. The total population in 
1910 was 30,495. The population is 71.9 per cent rural. Stev- 
ens Point, the county seat, with 8,692 inhabitants, is the only 
place with a population larger than 1,000. Portage County 
has good railroad connection with many large cities and mar- 
kets. 

The soil material of Portage County has been derived from 
glacial, residual, and alluvial materials. The soils have been 
classified into 14 soil series and 24 soil types, each of which has 
characteristics by which it can be recognized. 

The agriculture of the county shows all stages of develop- 
ment. The best farming land is in the northwestern, north- 
eastern, and eastern parts of the county, where fine sandy loam 
or heavier soils predominate. Soils of lower value, mostly 
sandy or marshy, occur throughout the central, southern, and 
north-central sections. 

The principal crops are hay, oats, potatoes, rye, corn, bar- 
ley, and buckwheat. General farming is the prevailing type of 
agriculture, and dairying and potato growing are two of the 
most important interests. 

Over 79 per cent of the total area of the county is in farms. 
The average size of the farms is 127 acres, of which on an av- 
erage 68 acres are improved. About 90 per cent of the farms 
are operated by owners. 

The mean annual precipitation for the county is about 30 
inches, and the mean annual temperature is about 43° F. The 



SUMMARY. 79 

winters are long and severe, with a snowfall of about 41 inches, 
but the summers are warm and crops make rapid growth. 
There is a growing season of about 125 days free from killing 
frosts. 



KEEP THE MAP 

The Experiment Station will publish bulletins from time to 
time dealing with the management of the different types map- 
ped, so that some way should be found by each person receiv- 
ing a copy of this report to keep the map permanently. If the 
map is folded in such a way as to have the part you are inter- 
ested in of a convenient size, and then have a simple frame with 
glass made to hold it, it can be kept indefinitely. Since some 
of the colors fade after being exposed to strong light for a 
long time, it would be a good plan to have a protecting flap of 
dark cloth over the map when not in use. 



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(^ S DEPT. OF AORICULTURE 

BUEIEAU OF SOILS 

MILTON WHITNEY. CHIEF 




